Obituary of Byron G. Barnes

Byron G. “Cooke” Barnes, AF MSGT retired, 88, of Reeders, died Thursday, September 14, 2018 at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono in East Stroudsburg. He was the loving husband of the late Mildred K. (Sebring) Barnes.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Byron G. and Florence Rose (Jepeson) Barnes.

A proud Veteran, Cooke served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Later he joined the Air Force, working as a Veterinary Technician, and traveled to places such as Hawaii, Thailand, the Philippines, and England. His lifelong love was aviation. Cooke engaged his passion by carving model airplanes by hand. Examples of his art are in collections around the world, including Old Warden in England.  His other achievement was collecting his beloved library of aviation books. He obtained the first volume when he was 13.   

He is survived by two sons:  Neil V. Barnes and his wife, Linda, of Williamsburg, Virginia; and Grayson Barnes, of Wichita, KS. Cooke’s two granddaughters are Vicky and Shila Barnes.

Per Cooke’s request, there will be no memorial service. If honoring his name is desired, please feel free to make a donation to National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force (175 Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA 31322) or the VFW.

Cooke will be interred at the Cherry Lane United Methodist Church in Analomink where he will rest eternally beside his late wife.