Richard De Barnes

Richard De Barnes, age 95, of Vermilion and Lorain passed away peacefully at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky on July 7, 2026 after a long and happy life. Mr. Barnes was born Dec. 13, 1930 at the Elyria Hospital. He was a 1948 graduate of Vermilion High School with 32 in his graduating class. As a teenager, Richard played drums in The Melodees band that played for street dances and at the Vermilion-on-the-Lake dance hall. He graduated from The Ohio State University in December of 1951 with degrees in both elementary and secondary education. On June 7, 1952, Richard married Helen Louise Henning of Vermilion.

Mr. Barnes began his teaching career at Lakeview School in Lorain before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952. He served in the Korean War. After Korea, he returned to teaching at Lakeview School while also earning his master's degree in administration from Kent State University in 1958. Richard was active in the Lorain Jaycees men’s organization. As vice-president of the Jaycees, he directed the move of 33,000 volumes from the old 16th Street library to the new public library near Lorain High School.

Mr. Barnes was a principal in Lorain for 13 years at Lowell, Washington, and Larkmoor schools, followed by 6 years as Director of Personnel. He took pride in his work and retired from the Lorain City Schools in 1981. Richard loved to travel out west with his wife in their motorhome. He also was treasurer of the Lorain Coin Club.

Mr. Barnes was preceded in death by his wife Helen Henning Barnes of Vermilion. He is survived by his son Richard Barnes, Jr. of Vermilion, and daughters Rebecca (Michael) Karrer of Bay Village and Cindy (John) Kolbe of Berkeley, California. Mr. Barnes greatly enjoyed his 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Mr. Barnes’ memory to the Brownhelm Historical Society.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.