Richard Barnes

Richard Lee Barnes, “Rick,” passed away on March 8th, 2025 in the arms of his loving wife at their home in Howell, MI. Rick was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 9, 1953 to Wallace Barnes and Evelyn (Faust) Barnes. After high school he went to culinary school where he learned to cook amazing food. He then worked in construction where he would meet the love of his life, Cheryl Mason, in September of 1977. After a game of phone tag, Rick finally asked her out in December of that same year. On March 9, 1985, they happily married and were together through the end. Rick eventually started his own successful construction company, which he operated for the remainder of his life. As a lover of motorcycles, he was a life member of the Iron Mustangs of Detroit and enjoyed many rides with Cheryl on the back of his bike. Rick’s sense of humor and storytelling was unmatched. Even if you had heard the story before, you were still enthralled with each retelling. But above all else, Rick’s giant heart was at the core of his character and the driving force of his life story. He will live on through the memories of all those who knew and loved him. 

Rick will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, Cheryl Barnes; and his loving son, Richard Barnes II, “Ricky.” He is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Evelyn Barnes; siblings, Carol Paddock, Ruthann Ochoa, and Wallace Barnes Jr.

Rick's family and friends will gather on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 2 - 5:30 PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, 1700 W. Highland Road in Howell. At 5:30 PM his Community Farewell Service will begin, led by Pastor John Plumley.  In lieu of flowers, in Rick’s honor please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please leave a message of comfort for Rick’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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