Charles Keith Barnes

June 16, 1932 - Oct 16, 2008

IMPERIAL -- Keith Barnes, 76, died Thursday (Oct. 16, 2008), at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln

He was born June 16, 1932, in Camby Precinct in Imperial to Charles Wilbe and Mary Ann (Edwards) Barnes. He attended and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1950.

He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. After his service he returned to the family farm north of Wauneta.

On June 28, 1952, he married Shirley Novacek. In 1968, he moved to Imperial where he worked with the local farmers and drove truck until his retirement in 2003.

In 1991, he married Regina Palmer. They lived in Imperial. He was also a woodworker, played many instruments, such as the accordion, harmonica, banjo, guitar and others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Michelle Nichols, and grandson, David Barnes.

Survivors include his children, Charles Duane Barnes of Exeter, Debra Nichols and husband, Michael of Exeter, David Barnes and wife, Mary of Ogallala, Dwight Barnes and wife, Sherry of Enders, Diane Vandike and husband, Tony of Bird City, Kan., Daryl Barnes of Imperial, Daniel Barnes of Omaha; stepdaughters, Melissa Jens and friend, Brian Foster of Bartley, Nicole Eaton of Winter Park, Fla., and Nancy Shearey and husband, Chad of Orlando, Fla.; stepson, Eric Eaton and life partner, Amanda Patti of Geneva, Fla.; 27 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were today at United Methodist Church of Imperial with the Rev. Kay Alnor officiating. Interment will follow at the Blanche Cemetery in Chase County.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.