Albert I. Barnes, Jr., age 83 of Wapakoneta, passed at 11:34 a.m., Sunday, August 1, 2021 at his residence in Wapakoneta. He was born December 15, 1937 in Harrod, Ohio to the late Albert and Alma Ruth Copeland Barnes. On March 14, 1964 he married Marilyn J. VanGundy, who survives in Wapakoneta.
Mr. Barnes was owner and operator of Al’s Marathon in Uniopolis and the BP Station in Spencerville. He was a U.S. Marine Veteran and a member of the V.F.W. Post 6772 of Spencerville. He attended Shawnee Alliance Church and enjoyed working on old cars. He will be remembered for being a hard worker, putting others first, and always lending a helping hand. His greatest joy and love, was his family. He treasured time spent with them and looked forward to family vacations.
Also surviving are 3 daughters – Susan M. (Fred) Koch of Wapakoneta; Jill A. (Chad) Ruppert of Wapakoneta; Beth A. (Matthew) Graff of Spencerville; 7 grandchildren – Brooke Law, Morgan Law, Madison Ruppert, Abbigial Ruppert, Emily Ruppert, Reese Graff, Andrew Graff; a brother – Philip (BJ) Barnes of Florida and a sister – Linda Ford of Florida.
He was preceded in death by a daughter – Julie Ann Barnes who passed on May 19, 2009; a brother – Darrell L. Barnes; and 2 sisters – Dorothy Burget and Donna Rader McMillen.
Funeral services will begin 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at Shawnee Alliance Church, Revs. Kris Browning and Daniel Messner will officiate. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m., Monday at Mt. Tabor Cemetery, near Gutman. Military rites will be observed by V.F.W. Post 8445 of Wapakoneta.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville and from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Monday at Shawnee Alliance Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee Alliance Church, St. Rita’s Hospice, or to the donor’s choice.