Don Vallee Barnes, 80, of Covington, moved on to heaven May 8. The son of Horace Benton Barnes Sr. and Emma Curtis Barnes, he was born in 1930. A graduate of the University of Georgia, he served proudly in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 30 years service as an electronic equipment specialist at Warner Robins AFB. Mr. Barnes was predeceased by his sister Emogene B. Daniel.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Marion Ewing Barnes of Covington; daughters Elaine (Mike) Edwards of Hixson, Tenn., Donna Faye (Jim) Sowell of Lilburn; grandchildren Rebecca (Nathan) Ammons, Andrew Edwards, Christopher, Matthew, and Lauren Sowell; great-grandchildren Evanly and Xander Ammons; sister Nancy B. McDonald of McRae; brothers H.B. Barnes Jr. of McRae and Curtis S. Barnes of Macon; several nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family burial. A Celebration of Life memorial service was held May 12 at the Starrsville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Glenn Ethridge, the Rev. Alan Barrett and the Rev. Allan Tarr officiating.

Per his wishes the family requests no flowers. Donations can be made to Abbey Hospice, 215 Azalea Court, Social Circle, GA 30025, Rainbow Ministries, 7133 Turner Lake Circle, Covington, GA 30014, or Starrsville UMC, C/O Sherry Dudley, 315 Benton Road, Covington, GA 30014.