John Kenneth Barnes Sr.

John Kenneth Barnes

December 6, 1930 - April 27, 2026

John Kenneth "Ken" Barnes, 95, passed away quickly on April 27, 2026.

Ken was born on December 6, 1930, in Standard, Arizona--a town that has since become a ghost town-- to Jewel Kenneth Barnes and Emily Brown Barnes.

In his early years, he grew up in McNary, Arizona, where his father worked for the railroad. The family later moved to Flagstaff before settling in Snowflake. In 1945, when Ken was 14, the family moved to Snowflake and purchased their home, where he was living at the time of his passing.

Ken was the oldest of five children and graduated from Snowflake High School. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas-Louisiana Mission. Following his mission, he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he distinguished himself as a marksman and qualified for the 44th Division All-Army Pistol Team.

During this time, Ken married the love of his life, Mary Lue Rogers. They were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on September 25, 1953, and shared over 72 years of marriage together. Their life was blessed with six children-three boys and three girls.

After his military service, Ken became a police officer in Phoenix and later earned recognition as a National Pistol Marksman Champion. Eventually, he and Mary Lue returned home to Snowflake, where Ken worked for the Snowflake School District as a mechanic and bus driver. He especially loved driving the sports teams to their events.

Ken also worked with Ballard Truss, where delivering trusses became one of his favorite jobs. He was deeply involved in his community, volunteering for the Snowflake Fire Department and eventually serving as Fire Chief.

Ken loved the outdoors-especially hunting and fishing-and enjoyed playing board and card games with his family. He was a devoted fan of Western movies, particularly those starring John Wayne, and was an avid reader who especially enjoyed Louis L'Amour novels.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life, Ken cherished his testimony and loved sharing it with his family and friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Jewel Kenneth Barnes and Emily Brown Barnes; his sisters, Sylvia and Anna Rae; his brother, Leslie; and grandchildren Leslie Smith, Ian Smith, and Deana K. Barnes.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lue Barnes; his sister, Christine Sanchez (Pete); his children: John (Susan), Dean, Susan Smith (Jay), Daniel (Rene'), Mary Dixon, and Sherel; 23 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Memorial Service
10:00 AM, May 9, 2026
Temple View Chapel
2885 SR-277
Snowflake, AZ 85937

Following the memorial, a dedication of the grave will be held at:
Snowflake Cemetery
600 W School Bus Ln
Snowflake, AZ 85937

From railroads and small-town beginnings to a long life rooted in Snowflake, Ken will be remembered by those who knew him.