Charles Dee Barnes, 88, of Calder, Idaho, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. He was born Aug. 17, 1935, in Carroll, Iowa, son of Jack Yale Barnes and Gladys Ruby Beckwith. He attended Helena High School and Iowa State University before transferring to Montana State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree.
He met and married Leona Gladys Wohler in 1957. He graduated with a master’s degree in physiology from the University of Washington, followed by a doctorate degree in neuroscience from the University of Iowa. From there he entered a post-doctorate program at the University of California in San Francisco.
He became an assistant professor at Indiana University Medical School, followed by a transfer to Indiana State University as a professor. Then a move to Texas Tech University where he was chairman of the Department of Physiology in the Medical School. During this period, he also taught at St. George’s School of Medicine in Grenada for a number of years. He presented many research studies in Europe and spent a year working in Pisa, Italy, with professors from the medical school. He contributed to multiple books and research papers and professional seminars. He loved to travel and visited many parts of Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
He was very fond of camping, hiking and outdoor activities, so while evaluating potential placement for his graduate students he rediscovered his love for the Pacific Northwest. After meeting with the faculty at Washington State University and traveling the White Pine Trail, he decided this was the home he desired for himself and Leona.
He served as the chairman of the Department of VCAPP (Veterinary Comparative Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology) at WSU and they moved to Pullman. They quickly found the place of his dream on the St. Joe River, choosing their new lifestyle. He retired from WSU in 2000, Professor Emeritus.
In retirement they moved near Calder, full-time. He became involved in the local community by becoming the local fire chief, conducted a Bible study group with emphasis on Biblical history, and had active roles with the local school board. With his love of reading, he established a reading program for individual children at the Calder/Avery school which he enjoyed very much. He loved to design and build, helping to add to their permanent home near Calder. He had a special love for trees and planted many on their meadow land.
He is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Steve Barnes. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Leona, four adult children: Tara Peterson (Steve), Teagen Barnes, Kalee Arbanas (Kevin) and Kyler Barnes (Kerrie); 13 grandchildren; and his sister Patricia Coe of Boise.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 130 S. 10th St., St. Maries.
