10/08/2025
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
For Harley Lee Barnes, this took place on October 6, 2025, when the mind of an 18 year-old soldier, the physical body of a 75 year-old man, and the soul of a God fearing faithful Christian all went home to peace with Jesus. Waiting to meet him at heaven’s gates were those who passed before him including his mom and dad, Bill and Virgie Barnes; his brothers Pete and Danny Barnes; his infant sister, Nora Barnes, his brothers-in-law, Archie Goldizen, John Queen, and Louie McCormick; father and mother-in-law (aka, second set of parents), Dorsey and Helen “Liza” Pyles; and special friends Tim Wagoner and Army SP4 Rory Hunter.
In his lifetime Harley assumed various roles. The first one started on June 25, 1950 as the 11 pound baby boy born under the kitchen table in Fort Ashby, WV. Growing up on the family farm he learned the life lessons of hard work, his fondness for John Deere tractors, enthusiasm for cars, and his passion for deer hunting. He graduated from Fort Ashby High School in 1968 where he played basketball and was a member of the FFA. Shortly following graduation he joined the Army, where he served in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief until his honorable discharge in 1970. After returning home from war he became known as quite a character around Fort Ashby by bringing laughter, and sometimes shenanigans, to the local spots. Later in life Harley continued his love of service by becoming a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6667, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Disabled Veterans of America. On May 29, 1976 he took on the role of husband to Kathy (Pyles) Barnes. This role became one of his most cherished to him and was witnessed by his showing love and devotion through acts, not words. This would lead him to becoming the dad to one daughter he named “Amanda” after a Waylon Jennings song. Through his adult years his role as provider led him to positions working for L and T Electric, Spencer Service Company, Adams Well Drilling, Mineral Fabrication, and Kinney Shoe Corporation. He was known to many for his heavy equipment operating skills, work ethic, and integrity. He ended his career path at Cumberland Box and Mill in 2004 when Agent Orange related diseases forced him into early retirement. After that he spent his days bird watching, listening to music, and spending as much time as possible sharing stories of his past with grandsons, Cameron and Corbin; petting his Pug dogs Violet and Shadow, and making memories with his great-grandson, Waylon. Out of all the roles in his life, he excelled the most as a husband, father, and Pap. Known to others as the big man with the big beard and even bigger heart, to his family he was the man that taught them unconditional love, the peace of being provided for, and how to love the Lord.
He leaves behind to mourn his wife of 49 years, Kathy Barnes; daughter, Amanda Barnes; grandsons, Cameron and Corbin Moyer; and his little buddy, great-grandson, Waylon Moyer; cherished sisters, Annie Goldizen (Jim), Bert McCormick, and Sue (Tim) Peer; his second family siblings (aka, in-laws), Dave Pyles (Shirley), Darlene Saville (Roger), Mike Pyles (Ann), Rusty Pyles (Sheila), Pam Brown (Lee), along with numerous special nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, as well as many special friends and community members.
Recently upon learning of his shortened life expectancy a movement was put into motion to provide him with the death, funeral service, and burial he wished for and deserved. As a service connected disabled Vietnam combat veteran he was entitled to Care in the Community home services allowing him to stay at home and be cared for by his family under the exceptional direction of Nicole Bonner, NP; Shae Lewis, RN; and social worker, Deann Sites. Later in his journey, WVU Medicine Hospice Services was provided by nurses, Heather and Stephanie; who became two of his favorite people to see which was proven by the nicknames he had for them. Besides exceptional care from hospice, Harley, and his family, received exceptional comfort from Chaplain Josh Miller and social worker Holly Haines.
Harley’s journey home was not just a medical one and when the call for help was made it was shortly overwhelmingly answered by offers for equipment, tree cutting assistance, physical labor, and acceptance of invitations to speak at the service. Harley’s wishes could not have been met without the kindness shown by Krista, Vince, and Sammy Manna, Lee Brown, David Barnes, Brenda and Mark Saville, Dan Logsdon, Rusty Pyles, Garrett Dolly, Adam Bittinger, Mike Linn, (and anyone else we may have forgotten). These wishes will all come to fruition beginning with a visitation at the Upchurch Funeral Home, Inc., Fort Ashby, on Friday, October 10th from 4pm-7pm. Funeral services will be there Saturday, October 11th at 1pm with a visitation starting at 12pm. Burial will take place on Harley’s homeplace in Fort Ashby, WV. Military honors will be accorded by Post #13 Veterans Honor Guard. Carrying Harley to his final resting spot, per his request, will be his grandsons, Cameron and Corbin Moyer; nephews, Josh Peer and David Barnes, and a special group of young men Harley considered his adopted grandsons: Sammy Manna, Tanner Long, Lukas Glotfelty, Adam Bittinger, and Devin Pierce. Serving as honorary pallbearers are special friends Chuck Elza, Alan “Dozer” Miltenberger, and Harold “Snake” Shingler.
Harley’s life was difficult at times but his morals, integrity, strength, courage, and love of the Lord and his family got him through. His military oath to the service, “of life or limb” caused consequences to his mental and physical health. An average of 22 veterans take their own lives. Harley could have been one of those 22 had it not been for the love he had for his family and their unconditional love for him. A love that led a wonderful man into the peace of the arms of the Lord where he will live a pain free and peaceful life in paradise until we see him again.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Blankets of Honor ( 112-B East Harrisburg Avenue, Elizabethtown, PA 17022) and WVU Medicine Hospice (100 Pin Oak Drive, Keyser, WV 26726) in memory of Harley.
