George E. Barnes

George E. Barnes, 90, of 792 North St., Meadville, died Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, at Meadville Medical Center.Born in Oil City on July 8, 1919, he was the son of Eugene and Luella Vogus Barnes. On April 27, 1946, he married Patricia Bowler, who survives.He was a member of St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church.In his early years, he worked for Crecco until 1942, when he entered the Army Air Forces. George served in the Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1945. He was a B-25 crew chief in Guadacanal, Russel Island, Rougainville, New Guinea and the Philippines. He graduated from the Amarillo Tech School and the Boeing Aircraft Tech School and was the proud recipient of five Bronze Stars.He started work at the former American Viscose and Avtex plant in 1946 and worked there until his retirement in 1983. He was also employed by St. Brigid Church part time for 55 years.He was a member of Eagles Lodge 429, where he was a past worthy president; a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, where he was a former vice commander and served as a four-year trustee; and a former member of the Holy Name Society at St. Brigid Church.Survivors include his wife, Patricia Bowler Barnes of Meadville; a son, Bill Barnes and his wife, Sue, of Meadville; a daughter, Barbara Laderer of Meadville; a son-in-law, Richard Stoyer of Meadville; a nephew, Chuck Barnes of Montgomery, Ala.; six grandchildren, Curtis Stallard, Brian Stallard, Jason Laderer, Alicia Laderer, Brett Barnes and Kelsey Barnes; and two great-granddaughters, Jenna Stallard and Marissa Stallard.He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Susan Stoyer.Calling hours are Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Roofner-Collins Funeral Home Inc., 544 Chestnut St., Meadville. A vigil prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed at 4 by a military service conducted by VFW Post 2006.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 1 p.m. at St. Brigid Church, with the Rev. Rocco A. Tito as celebrant.The family suggests memorials be made to VFW Meadville Post 2006 Scholarship Fund, 1045 S. Morgan St., Meadville, Pa. 16335.