Thomas Gene Barnes passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of over 57 years, Deborah Tegeler Barnes; his sons: Daniel, Christopher and Brett; and his daughter Melanna and her husband Jim. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Garyn and Mikayla, children of Melanna; and Noah and Paige, children of Brett; and his great-grandchildren, Dayton and Skylar Barnes, children of Mikayla. He is further survived by his brother Howard Barnes and his wife Cindy Sue, and their family; his sister-in-law Sue Tegeler Nordenhold and her husband David, and their family; and his brother-in-law William Tegeler and his wife Joanne, and their family; and Wendel Barnes’ family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Mary Barnes, and his brother Wendel Barnes.
A devoted family man and a pillar of his community, Tom’s legacy lives on through the love of his family and the many lives he touched with his selfless nature.
Born in Callicoon, NY, on December 16, 1947, Tom was a man of deep faith and unwavering optimism. A devout Christian, he was known for always doing for others, approaching life with a generous heart and a positive spirit.
Tom’s professional life was rooted in the lumber and kitchen design industry. He was a part-owner of the Narrowsburg Lumber Company and later brought his expertise to Edenton Mills in North Carolina, Wickes Direct and 84 Lumber. He also proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army.
Outside of work, Tom was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He was a key member of the Narrowsburg Indians Men’s Basketball team that secured a District 9 Championship. Tom nearly completed a book documenting his journey with his teammates titled “Hoops to Hanoi to Home.” His family plans to complete the book in his honor. Whether on the golf course or at the ping pong table, his competitive spirit and athletic talent were always on display. Tom was also a longtime member of the Lions Club and a dedicated Freemason.
His kindness, integrity and devotion to his loved ones will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 31 Erie Ave. in Narrowsburg, NY on Sunday, May 31 at 1 p.m.
While flowers are welcome, the family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to:
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 31 Erie Ave., Narrowsburg, NY 12764, or
Damascus Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 1290 Cochecton Tpk., Tyler Hill, PA 18469.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home of Barryville, 3412 Rte. 97, Barryville, NY, 845/557-8010