Lloyd L. Barnes

Lloyd William Luke Barnes Sr. was born to Robino Sr. and Katherine (Williams) Barnes on October 4, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the fourth of thirteen children. Lloyd spent his formative years in the Big Easy before enlisting in the United States Army Air Force on April 18, 1947. In 1949, while stationed in San Antonio, TX, Lloyd met his future bride Barbara Jean Ward at a social gathering in Lincoln Park. They were introduced by "Jean's" friend, Betty Hartfield. The following year, Lloyd and Barbara married on September 3, 1950, beginning a union that would span 68 years. Eventually, the newlyweds' family grew to include six children, and as devout Catholics, they ensured each child had a Catholic middle name: Joycelyn Maria, Lloyd William Luke Jr., Carolyn Ann, Robert Anthony, Darryl Raymond and Katherine Isabell.

The Army Air Force became a separate branch, the Air Force, on September 18, 1947, with implementation of the National Security Act of 1947. Lloyd was on active duty during another historic military event when President Truman issued Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, ending segregation in the armed forces. During Lloyd's 20-year military career, he served his country during two major campaigns, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. His notable decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Award and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. After functioning in a variety of administrative positions at several locations including New York State and Japan, Master Sergeant Barnes retired from the military at Amarillo Air Force Base, TX on May 31, 1967.

Shortly after retiring from the Air Force, Lloyd completed training at Shaw's Barber College in San Antonio and became a licensed barber. He soon traded his clippers for a civil service position at Brooks Air Force Base, TX. During this period, Lloyd managed to raise his family, hold a full-time job and take college courses at night, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of the Incarnate Word. Before the age of 60, Lloyd entered into a second, permanent retirement. He was the Safety Officer at Brooks AFB at the time of this retirement.

Lloyd was intelligent and energetic. After retirement, he remained a political activist who was very involved in his community. He cared deeply about the prosperity and welfare of San Antonio's District 2 as well as the city as a whole. For many years Lloyd worked tirelessly with politicians, community leaders and concerned citizens on numerous civic issues. He proudly served as President of the Huntleigh Park Homeowners' Association for over 25 years and worked on the political campaigns of former mayors Henry Cisneros, Julian Castro and Ivy Taylor.

Lloyd was family-oriented, and for decades the house he and Barbara shared served as the focal point for countless family gatherings, especially during Christmas and other holidays. The Super Bowl was also one of Lloyd's favorite occasions for a get-together as he was passionate about professional football. Friends of the family were always welcomed at these gatherings and countless participated in the fellowship.

Lloyd often described himself as a "Jack of all trades and master of none" but in reality was a skilled and knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer who loved to talk about his "projects." He was a versatile husband and father who was just as comfortable whipping up a batch of red beans and rice or file gumbo in the kitchen as he was laying the floor on his covered patio or designing and building a tool shed in the backyard.

Everyone knew Lloyd was an avid news buff and that he liked to stay abreast of local, national I and international affairs. He would pour over every inch of the newspaper looking for articles of particular interest that he would clip for safekeeping or to share with others for discussion or debate. He continued this practice for many years until his sons and daughters informed him that there was this new thing called the internet.

Throughout his entire life, Lloyd made it a priority to worship our Lord by attending Mass every Sunday no matter what the circumstances. Beginning in 1967, he functioned as an active member of Saint Joseph Parish and served in different capacities including council member and usher. Over the years, Lloyd and his family invited and welcomed into their home numerous clergy and out of town church visitors.

Lloyd went to be with our Lord on September 16, 2018 at the age of 88. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Barbara and all six children, Joycelyn M. Reese, Lloyd W. L. Barnes Jr. (Janice), Carolyn A. Martin (Larus), Robert A. Barnes, Darryl R. Barnes and Katherine I. Perry (Rhodia). Lloyd is also survived by sisters Agatha, Beverly and Joy; brothers, Emanuel and Byron; 12 grandchildren and a host great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Parking info:
Park at the River Center Mall parking garage located at 849 E. Commerce Street, which is right before the church on the right hand side. 
At the end of the service, you will receive a validated ticket to use with the ticket you received when you entered the garage. Use both tickets to exit the garage for free parking.
 

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