Doc Randy Barnes, a Vietnam Vet, dies at age 67 on Dec 2, 2006

Joseph Randy Barnes

Joseph Randy Barnes, Randy "Doc" Barnes, Westwood, Kansas, passed peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006. He was 67 years old. Visitation is 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Union Hill Veterans Hall, 3027 Walnut, Kansas City, MO. A memorial service follows at 1:00, at the same location. In lieu of flowers and in honor of his unselfish dedication to all veterans the family suggests contributions to the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, 8605 Cameron Street #400, Silver Springs, MD 20910; Vietnam Veterans Chapter 317 Emergency Fund, 3027 Walnut, KCMO 64108; Seton Center, or the Kansas City Art Institute Scholarship Fund. Randy was born on August 20, 1939 to William W. Barnes and Juanita (Weidner) Harrington in Topeka, Kansas. He was a 1957 graduate of Topeka High School, and later obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving as a combat medic from 196869 in the 25th Infantry Division attached to Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery. In the late 70's he founded Educational Research Associates which headed the implementation of the Head Start program in educational institutions throughout the U.S., and in particular in the minority and Native American communities. In 1985 he founded City Market Produce Co. retiring in 2001. Randy served on the National Board of Directors for the Vietnam Veterans of America for 17 years and was President of the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund in Washington D.C. He was founding President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 317 in Kansas City, and devoted his time to representing Chapter 317 as Chairmen of the Governmental Affairs Committee and on the Board of Directors. His passion for politics and advocacy for Vietnam and all veterans, led him to become highly active in local and national political campaigns. He was very involved in Sen. John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign, and recent senatorial elections in Missouri and Kansas. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Bill Barnes, of Columbus, OH. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen A. Aylward, his aunt, Verta Weidner, cousins Margot Leonard and Odell Weidner all of Topeka, KS. A sister-in-law, Shirley Barnes, of Columbus, OH., and a nephew, Geoff Barnes of Kansas City, MO. -To The MedicsWe got in a fire-fight the other day and I've got a few things to say. I was wounded and in pain, not a second too late the medic came. The medic eased my pain and calmed my fear, and in his eye I thought I saw a tear. For it was this man, no matter where or when, he won't be late, it's to him this poem I dedicate. I've never seen a medic run from mortar, rocket, or machine gun. He'll stay by the wounded's side and he'll take it all in stride. He tends the wounds as best he can, in this land of Vietnam. God, bless the medics for the job they do, they saved me once, they may save you. -Spec. 4 William R. Jarrell, D Troop, 7th Sqdn., 17th AirCav., published in Stars and Stripes, Jan., 1969.

View Kansas City Star Obituary and Sign Randy's Online Guest Book

Letters and cards may be sent to:

Mrs. Randy (Kathleen) Barnes
c/o Union Hill Veterans Hall
3027 Walnut Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64108

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to either of the following in Randy's name:

Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund (VVAF)

8605 Cameron Street

Suite 400

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

VVA Chapter 317 Emergency Relief Fund

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 317

Union Hill Veterans Hall

3027 Walnut Ave.

Kansas City, MO 64108

Attention:Randy Barnett

Doc Barnes served as President of the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, as well as the VVA National Board of Directors at the time of his death, and was a founding member of VVA Chapter 317. Both organizations are tax exempt, tax deductible not for profit entities.

Although I didn't know Randy Barnes I would like to offer my condolences to the family & friends. I am a peer of the Vietnam Vets, and in the last few years have been trying to determine why their health ailments are so much like vets of other times & like that of the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup workers who were exposed to 2-butoxyethanol.

http://www.valdezlink.com/re/achemicaltosuspect.htm