Earl L. Barnes

Burtonsville - Earl L. Barnes, 88, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Kingsway Arms after a brief illness.

Born in Binghamton, NY, he was a graduate of Binghamton High School and Broome Tech (now known as SUNY Broome Community College).  He was recruited by the General Electric Company and worked for 38 years in the Large Steam Turbine Department in Schenectady, where he designed rotors and buckets, retiring in 1993.  He was a 50+ year member of the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Company where he served as chief and company president.  He was a member of Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church in Esperance, where he served on the administrative board and as a trustee.  He also served as trustee of Burtonsville Methodist Church.  Together with his wife, Bonnie, he delivered meals to shut-ins in the Delanson area for the Delanson Meal Site.  In retirement, he volunteered with the GE Volunteers, modifying toys for disabled children, an activity he found extremely rewarding.  

Earl also loved working in “Grandpa’s Workshop” where he made many gifts, helped build school and scout projects for his children and grandchildren, and made wooden furniture.  There was always excitement at Christmas when “you” were the one that couldn’t go into his shop because he was working on something for you; or the countless hours the grandchildren spent “organizing” his shop; or the little magnets and bunny clips he gave out at family Easter egg hunts; and all the personal cabinets, boxes, shelves, rocking horses, and cradles he made for  his children and grandchildren.  He also spent many years rebuilding and maintaining the family home.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Bonnie (Cobb), as well as his children David Barnes (Lynn), Lori Barnes (Jim Clark), Kari Mullin (Patrick), and Mary Powers (Joe), as well as his grandchildren Matt, Chris, Eric, Jane, Gavin, Logan, Krystal, Joseph, Zaidee, Ariel, Quentin, and Leandra. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Earl was especially proud of his children and all of his grand and great grandchildren, and enjoyed attending their school concerts,  plays, and sporting events.  He was a well-respected member of the community and often was sought out for advice and his problem-solving skills.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church.  Donations may be made in Earl’s memory to the Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church, 175 Main Street, Esperance, NY 12066, or the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Company, 2053 Burtonville Road, Esperance, NY 12066.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction of White-VanBuren Funeral Home, 1779 Main St., Delanson, NY,  518-895-2380.  Please visit www.whitevanburenfh.com to add to the online tribute.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl L. Barnes, please visit our floral store.