Carl Barnes

Carl Barnes, age 84 of Sizerock, Kentucky passed away peacefully at his home with family present on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Carl was a lifelong resident of Sizerock, Kentucky except for a period where he and his wife Mary Esther lived in South Lebanon, Ohio while working at GE. Carl owned his own business, Barnes Auto Sales where he rebuilt, repaired and sold vehicles for over 60 years until he retired and his son: Rick continued operating the business. Even after retirement, Carl could be found in the garage working on cars and interacting with customers as this was a true passion for Carl. He passed this passion for rebuilding vehicles down to his son (Rick) and his grandsons.

Carl was an active member of the Sizerock Baptist Church where he was a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent until his passing. Over the years, Carl also taught the Junior Boys in Sunday School and later taught the Adult Sunday Class for over 35 years. Carl’s family would often find him reading his Bible and drinking a stiff cup of coffee in the early morning hours before others woke for the day.

Over the years, Carl enjoyed spending time with his family. He and his wife, Mary Esther would make Sunday dinners for the large family they fed every Sunday and planned fish fries with the assistance of their son: Rick and grandson: Andrew. Carl also enjoyed playing golf with family and friends and taking his family to the beach for a family vacation every summer for over 60 years.

Carl’s greatest joy was his Christian faith, he oftentimes shared his Christian faith with customers at the body shop or those he interacted with in the public setting. As may people have written condolences to the family, they have commented on Carl’s unwavering faith.

Carl’s dedication to his family was also very commendable, he would often be found transporting his grandchildren to and from school, sports related or academic activities and cheerleading events.

Carl was the eldest son of the late Sim and Ella Barnes of Sizerock, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife of 64 years: Mary Esther Webb Barnes, a brother: Darrell (Ora) Barnes of London, Kentucky, a sister: Lorene B. Sizemore of Sizerock, Kentucky, a brother: Fred Barnes (Brenda) of Hyden, Kentucky, 2 daughters: Sherry Kelly (Jeff) of London, Kentucky Robin Lewis (Phillip) of Hoskinston, Kentucky and one son: Carl “Rick” Barnes (Sherri) of Sizerock, Kentucky, 5 grandchildren: Justin (Megan) Barnes, Gabriella Bailey (Tyler), Andrew Barnes (Nancy), Preston Lewis and Maxwell Lewis and 2 great grandchildren: Jay Bailey and Jace Barnes; also surviving are Aunt Margie Barnes Ledford of Oneida, Kentucky and Uncle Fred (Mallie) Hensley of Ohio.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to The Gideons International.

Family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 6 PM until 8 PM at the Rominger Funeral Home Chapel and on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 after 11 AM at the Sizerock Baptist Church. Services will follow at 1 PM on Tuesday at the Sizerock Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Brown and Rev. George Abner officiating the services. Interment will follow in the Maxaline Baker Cemetery in Oneida, Kentucky.

The family wishes to sincerely thank all of those who texted kin words, wrote letters, called, delivered food and helped to make this day as bearable as possible for the family. The family also wishes to thank Rominger Funeral Home for their kindness and respect for Carl’s wishes.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Rominger Funeral Home.