Ricky "Rick" Lynn Barnes

Ricky “Rick” Lynn Barnes, 76, of Ochelata, OK, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father Howard L. Barnes, and daughter Miranda Barnes. Rick is survived by his mother, Betty Barnes; one son, Adam Barnes; brothers, Lindsay (Carolyn), and Sydney (Marla) Barnes. Rick is also survived by six nieces and nephews, Brittney Palomino (Devin), Jordan Barnes (Paulina), Amanda and Bailey Barnes, Chase Stevens, and Megan Morgan. He has eight surviving great-nieces and nephews, Jaxon, Milena, and Ashton Barnes, Jovie Coleman, Rexie Palomino, Andrew and Bentley Aguilera, and Terry Wilhelm III. Rick was born August 19, 1947, in Bartlesville, and raised in Ochelata. He is a 1965 graduate of Ochelata High School. After graduation, he attended college for two years at Northeastern A & M (Miami, OK). Rick was selected to serve two years in the U.S. Army and was inducted in July 1967. After completing basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Polk (Leesville, LA), Rick was sent to South Vietnam in December 1967, and was assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. He was based in the central highlands near Pleiku, South Vietnam. During his tour of duty, Rick was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge as a mark of distinction for sustained contact against an enemy in ground action, and an Army Commendation Medal for distinguishing himself as machine gunner for meritorious achievement, service, or heroism. Rick also received two campaign service medals. After fulfilling his one year of service in Vietnam, Rick completed his service to the Army at Fort Carson (Colorado) where he received an honorable discharged in July 1969. After his discharge, Rick enrolled in the fall semester at Northeastern State College (later University) at Tahlequah. After graduating from Northeastern State in 1972, Rick began a 35-year career with Ford Motor Company where he retired in 2007 as a zone manager. After retiring in 2007, Rick moved back to Ochelata where he remained until his death. During his time in Ochelata, Rick turned his attention to civic duty and served 10 years on the Ochelata town council. He also became engaged in the Delaware tribal affairs. He was elected in 2018 as a tribal judge and later became an appellate judge for the Delaware tribe. He also represented the Delaware tribe on the board of the Grand Gateway Foundation which provides aid in meeting fundamental needs and improving the life for all citizens in northeast Oklahoma. In April 2023, Rick was recognized by the 15th Annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors Program for his achievement, impact, and service. Rick was a devoted father to Miranda and Adam and he was very active in their lives. He served his country well when he was called upon. He was proud of his Delaware Indian heritage. He bled Ford blue and he was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan. He was a supporter of the Caney Valley athletic teams. He had a good work ethic and was respectful of others. May his soul rest in eternal peace. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 A.M, July 12 at Ochelata Methodist Church with Tasha Hollopeter officiating. Interment will be held at Ochelata Cemetery, followed by a family and friends gathering at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Ricky "Rick" Lynn Barnes

August 19, 1947 - June 5, 2024