Ernest Frederick Barnes, born on July 15, 1926 in Tampa, FL, passed away at age 91 on September 5, 2017 in Orange Park, FL.

Ernie was a WWII and Korean war veteran who served in the United States Navy for 22 years and 1 day. He spent many years aboard the U.S.S. Shaula, which was built in Jacksonville. He received the WWII Victory medal, Asiatic Pacific medal, Philippine Liberation medal, the American Area medal and a good conduct medal and retired as an Aviation Storekeeper First Class.

During WWII, he corresponded with a patriotic pen pal whom he had never met in person. They later met, dated and were married for 53 years.

Ernie was a proud member of the American Legion (Post 137) and the VFW.  He also served in the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Reserve Officer program. Ernie worked for Florida National Bank for 20 years after retiring from the Navy.

The discipline, dedication, and patriotism he demonstrated during his time in the service was evident throughout his lifetime. He is also known for his great work ethic, tenacity, fantastic sense of humor, loyalty, and his love of Western movies. 

Ernie is preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly, his father, Ralph Barnes, his mother and stepfather, Anna Mae and Philip Mistler, brothers Ralph Jr. and Robert, daughters Lyn (William) Johns and Carol (Michael) Cenci, his son in law Wayne Morton, and four grandsons.

He is survived by his children Kristine Morton, Robert (Dolores) Barnes, Rhanda (Ralph) Bostrom, Karen (Tharon) Rivera, 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, five great grandchildren and his brother Carl Barnes. 

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2017 following the visitation at 10:30 a.m., both at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home located at 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Legion Post Youth Programs in memory of Ernest Barnes. Donations can be mailed to the American Legion Post 137, Attn: Jerry Lapore, 5443 San Juan Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210.

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