Loren Irvin Barnes

Loren Irvin Barnes passed away Feb. 28, 2025, in Bayport, MN formerly of Chatham after an extended illness.

Loren was born March 16, 1946, in Springfield, Ill., to Bryce and Eloise Bramley Barnes.

He graduated in 1964 from Glenwood High School in Chatham, Ill., before completing undergraduate studies at Western Illinois University.

Loren and Sheryl Lorimor were high school sweethearts and married on June 2, 1968. Together, they and their children farmed for many years in rural Chatham, Ill., before Loren became Building Supervisor at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in nearby Springfield. Loren and his family moved in 2015 to New Richmond, Wisc., to be near family already in the area. He was active in many community organizations, including driving veterans to the VA hospital and the Illinois High School Association, and “leader of the in-laws” at family reunions. He was a loving husband, father, Papa, uncle, grand uncle, cousin and friend.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Loren was an active member of American Legion posts and their Honor Guard in Springfield, Ill., and New Richmond, Wisc. Loren was a lifetime member of the Chatham Masonic Lodge 523 and active in the New Richmond Lodge 195. He similarly held leadership positions within the Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, Ill. and the Valley of Eau Claire, Wisc and was recognized with the 33rd Degree in 1993.

Loren and Sheryl were members of Chatham United Methodist Church, Springfield First Presbyterian Church, and New Richmond United Methodist Church.

Loren is survived by his wife, Sheryl Barnes, of Bayport, Minn.; son Richard Barnes of New Richmond, Wisc.; daughter Amy (Clayton Dumcum) Barnes of Stillwater, Minn. Loren is also survived by his sister, Mary Kay (Lee) Huntoon, granddaughters Natalie and Rachel Dumcum, sister-in-law Susan (William) Meltzer, brother-in-law Randall (Cynthia) Lorimor, six nephews, a niece and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Military honors for Loren will be at 2:00pm at Camp Butler National Cemetery on Friday, July 25, 2025.  A celebration of Life will be held at the Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Rd on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 2:00pm till 4:00pm with Masonic Services at 3:00pm.

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