Leland "Lee" P. Barnes, Jr.

Leland “Lee” P. Barnes, Jr., 72, of Salisbury Center, New York, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at St. Luke’s Healthcare in New Hartford, New York with his family by his side.

He was born on November 3, 1950, in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, Leland P. Barnes, Sr. and Anna R. Holl. Lee was educated at Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1969.

On October 30, 1969, Lee enlisted in the United States Army and served with the U.S. Army Reserves until he went active duty in 1980. During his service with the Army, Lee served from 1980 to 1989 in Oswego as a field grade recruiter. From 1989-1995 he was a Training NCO in Kingston, NY, and then in 1995-1997, he was a Training NCO in Utica, NY where he retired after a total of 28 years of dedicated service to his country. During his distiguished military career, Lee earned the Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), the National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Riboon, Expert Marksmanship Qualifications Badge with Rifle Bar, US Army Gold Recruiter Badge with Three Sapphire Achievement Starts, US Army Basic, and Recruiter Badge with Three Gold Achievement Stars. 

At one time, Lee was married to Georgia Boepple and raised their children together.

Lee was employed by the New York State Court System as a Court Officer at the Herkimer County Court when he retired in 2018 after 12 years. Prior to that, he worked as an Oswego County Sherriff Special Deputy, Herkimer County Sheriff’s Deputy and was also a Navigational Officer for both Herkimer County and Oswego County Sherriff’s Departments. In his youth, Lee worked on his family’s farm.

Lee was a member of the Salisbury Methodist Church, a 54 year member of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department where he was a current Fire Commissioner, a member and past Master of Dolgeville Masonic Lodge #796 Free and Accepted Masons and Grand Representative to Iceland and to the Oswego Masonic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Auskerada Maques Rock City Chapter #204 of Dolgeville, NY, where he was also Past Grand Patron in 2018-New York State Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic War Vets in Oriskany, NY, Media Shrine in Watertown, NY, Fraternal Order of Police in Oswego, NY, Dolgeville Football Hall of Fame, active board member of the Salisbury Rural Cemetery, a former councilman for the Town of Salisbury, NY, and a former EMT for S & S Ambulance.

In his spare time, Lee enjoyed time with his family and friends at their camp on the East Canada Creek, volunteering for many organizations including being in charge of placing flags on deceased fireman department members graves since 1973 and was dedicated to helping several Veteran’s organizations. He was considered to be a true patriot to his country. His most precious time was spent in the company of his family, especially his grandchildren, in which he always attended all of their events. A loving life partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and devoted community member, Lee will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved partner of 18 years, Jan Barlow at home; his loving children, Douglas Barnes and his companion, Melissa Haynes of Newport, NY, Daniel Barnes and his wife, Gretchen of Waynesville, MO, LeeAnn Helmer and her husband, Adam of Salisbury, NY, and Deanna Barnes of Little Falls, NY; special grandchildren, Colin, Christine, Tobias, Megan, Gehrig, Jacob, Hailey, Kate, Ryan, Alexis, Gavin, Henry, Britney and James; cherished great-granddaughter, Brooklyn; brothers, Jerry Barnes of Dolgeville, NY and Ronald Barnes and his wife, Dolly of Dolgeville, NY; special aunts, Lillian Barnes of Salisbury, NY and Marilyn Juba of Dolgeville, NY; his beloved cat, Angel; nieces, nephews and special friends.

Lee was predeceased by his infant son, Dennis Lee Barnes, a brother, Randy Barnes, special uncles, Reginald Barnes and Paul Barnes, and several aunts and uncles.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York. At 7 p.m., the Auskerada Maques Rock City Chapter #204-Order of the Eastern Star and the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge Members will each hold a prayer service at this time.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10 a.m. also at the funeral home with Lee’s friend and minister, Pastor Mark Hediger. Our service will begin with the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department holding their prayer service and then words and prayers from Pastor Hediger. Procession will follow to Salisbury Rural Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his son. Members of the United States Army Honor Guard will accord Lee his funeral honors at the cemetery.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department immediately following the committal service at the cemetery on Saturday at approximately 12 p.m. All are invited to attend all services.

The Barnes family would like to thank Pastor Mark Hediger for his friendship and support for Lee and his family during this difficult time.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions for two organizations that Lee was very passionate about: The Fisher House, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. 

Please note in your check memo, “In Memory of Leland P. Barnes, Jr.” in order to properly acknowledge the donation.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Barnes Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or share a photo or memory for his memory book.

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