Eugene P. Barnes 1937-2026

Gene was born July 9, 1937, in Youngstown, the oldest of nine children of the late Warren Eugene and Mary Madden Barnes.

He enjoyed playing sports at Ursuline High School, especially baseball and golf.

After high school he proudly served his country as an Army sergeant for two years, National Guard for two years and the Reserve for two years.

He continued his passion for golf for many years in leagues and competitions. He was especially proud of his first-place finish at the Youngstown District Amateur Invitational at the Tam O’Shanter Course in 1972.

Gene was a hard-working tool-and-die expert who retired from United Engineering & Foundry and Reichard Industries and also worked at Fairfield Machine Co.

He loved to spend time with his children cheering them on at baseball/softball games and track meets, taking them to the local parks to explore or spending summer days at Wildwood Lake.

He loved watching all sports, especially cheering for his favorite teams, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Browns (he still hoped to see them in the Super Bowl one day).

Gene and his late wife, Julia Datson, were members of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish (now St. Catherine of Siena Parish).

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, John “Jack,” William, Richard, Terry and Jimmy; and sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Rich Novak.

Gene leaves behind his children, Bernice Templeman, Patricia (Greg) Lendon, Michael Barnes, Sue (John) Kennedy and Colleen (Stratos) Tsambarlis; and his grandchildren, Tara, Patrick and Autumn Lendon and JJ Kennedy. He also leaves behind brothers, Bob (Ann Marie “Peach”) and Larry Barnes, and many nieces and nephews.

Gene will be remembered for being a great father, having a strong work ethic, dedicating time to teach his children new things, always fixing something around the house and for being “one of the good ones.” He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but they find comfort in knowing he is now reuniting with his beloved wife in heaven.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 9 until 10:20 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, with Father Edward Brienz as celebrant.

Burial will take place in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman.

We extend many thanks to Nurse Kerri and the many other nurses and aides from Hospice who provided excellent comfort and care.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Gene’s family.

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