Capt. Frank D. Barnes, age 62 of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, April 12, 2017 at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach, FL.
Born in Nunda, NY, he was one of four children born to the late, Francis Douglas and Patricia Schumaker Barnes. A graduate of Nunda Central School in 1973, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1975 he began dating the love of his life, Deborah Lynn Wilcox who became his wife in December of 1978. His second love, his daughter Amanda Renee Barnes, was born in 1979. The newlyweds left for his assignment as a NCO to Texas A & M where he graduated in 1981 with his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Commissioned as an Officer in April of 1982, Frank sustained nuclear missile systems, tactical missile systems and small arms weapons during his career. He traveled to 36 nations while serving the military, including Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. Retiring from Warner Robins Air Force Base in 1993, Frank worked as a Contractor and Civil Servant for the Department of Defense, sustaining USAF tactical weapons and the nuclear arsenal of Navy submarines until he retired in 2010. Frank had three passions in life�his faith, his family and his country. Stepping into full time ministry in 1998, the Barnes family entered the mission field as missionaries to Guadalajara, Mexico with Fire from Heaven Ministries where they reached 80,000 lives in tent crusades. In 2007, he and his wife moved to Fernandina Beach to serve the Go to Nations missionary headquarters. As Directors of Global Prayer, they trained missionaries, preached, and led a team of intercessors in prayer for missionary needs across the globe. Senior leadership relied on Frank�s insight, Godly visions and words of guidance. Frank�s joy, humor and encouragement touched tens of thousands in his lifetime.
As a young father, Frank enjoyed building model rockets with his daughter. Frank served his local churches as cell leader, worship team member, youth pastor, choir and altar ministry team member. His hobbies included basketball and golf, playing his grandfather�s banjo, writing poetry and nature photography. Many will recall his love for vinyl records and seventies music.
Capt. Barnes leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Deborah �Debbie� Barnes, Fernandina Beach, FL, their daughter, Amanda Barnes, Nashville, TN, his twin sister, Diana Anderson, Colorado Springs, CO, two brothers, Ken Barnes, Greenville, SC, Kim Barnes, Las Vegas, NV and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Southside Assembly of God in Jacksonville with Rev. Jeremy Henderson officiating.
Capt. Barnes will be laid to rest on Tuesday at 1:30 pm in Jacksonville National Cemetery, with Rev. Rick Wilkes officiating, where full military honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force Ceremonial Detachment from Moody AFB, GA.
His family will receive friends on Tuesday, at the church, from 9:15 until the hour of service.