Mr. Donald R. Barnes 80, a resident of the Alpine Nursing Home, Little Falls, passed away there peacefully on Friday January 27th, 2017. At the time of his passing he had the love and support of his wife and family at his side.

Donald was born in Mt. Holly Springs, Pa., on April 11th, 1936 the son of James and Minnie (Stevenson) Barnes and was educated there.

A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served honorably in the United States Air Force from February 1954, until his honorable discharge in August of 1958, with the rank of A/2C. His overseas duty earned him the following medals, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

While stationed in Germany, he met and was united in marriage to Hildegard E. Mannuss, on May 11, 1957 in Miesenbach, Germany. The couple came to the United States when he was discharged from the service in 1958. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this coming May.

He and his wife first worked for and then operated their own dairy farm in Treadwell, NY. In addition to running the farm he also worked at the Treadmill Lumber Company. The couple came to the Oppenheim-Dolgeville area in 1971. Donald then began driving tractor trailer for himself, and later worked for Obreza Trucking, hauling milk to New York City for a period of 5 years.

Upon retirement Donald and his wife Hilde, enjoyed traveling for many years, not only cross country, but also spending winters in Florida, with their motor home. They enjoyed making several trips to Germany to visit family, and also to Brazil, to visit their former exchange student and her family.

Donald was a Life time member of the Sampson Military Museum, in Romulus, NY, where he and Hilde spent many weekends helping to establish the museum. He also was a life member of the VFW of Johnstown, NY, and a member of the America Legion Post of Little Falls. He and Hilde enjoyed going to auctions and garage sales looking for that “Special Item”.

Donald is survived by his Wife, Hilde of almost 60 years, his daughters and their families Roswitha Miner, Evelyn Fiskaa and Donna Roush, a brother Bill Barnes, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by 14 brothers and a sister.

Funeral services will be held Saturday February 4th, 2017 at 3 PM at the Roberts Funeral Home 3 Faville Avenue Dolgeville. Rev. Jack A. Ford, Pastor of the Dolgeville United Methodist Church will officiate. Calling hours will be held from 1-3pm. Burial will be in Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Romulus, NY later in the Spring.

Hilde and her daughters would like to especially acknowledge her granddaughter and her husband Vanessa and Michael Roam and their children Michael III and Emajean for the exceptional care and compassion show to their grandfather during his illness and nursing home stay.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sampson Air Force Base Veterans Association in his name, at PO Box 7222 Auburn, New York 13022. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

A message of sympathy or a remembrance of Donald may be sent to the family at www.robertsfuneralcare.com.

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