Thomas Carl Barnes

Thomas Carl Barnes, 68, died on December 9, 2012 of complications of Alzheimer's, a disease he suffered for 13 years. He was lovingly raised in Newton MA by Sidney and Arthur Barnes, and graduated from Lehigh University. He worked as a mechanical engineer for General Electric in Lynn MA, earning patents and awards for his work with jet engines. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts and served as a Trustee of the Public Library in Boxford MA. He sang in various choirs and with the group On Wings of Song.

Tom grew up in the UCC tradition and enjoyed an ever expanding spirituality. He became a partner at the Antelope Retreat Center in Savery WY, following his passion of care for the Earth. He was a wilderness guide, studied Native American spirituality, became a Pipe Carrier in the Lakota people, led Vision Quests in Massachusetts, Indiana and Wyoming, led programs on wilderness survival and hosted the Wyoming Annual Meeting (Quakers). He completed Education for Ministry through the University of the South. Through St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, he was part of Paths Crossing covenantal relationship with the Native American community at All Saints Episcopal Church in Minneapolis MN. He served on the Spiritual Life Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis and on the board of the Franciscan Hermitage, leading workshops on creation spirituality.

Tom's loved ones include his wife, Jean Denton; his children, Tim (Richa Nand) Barnes of San Diego, Carrie (Pete Graham) Barnes of Seattle, and Leigh (Jon Feldman) Barnes of San Francisco; his grandsons Alex and Miles Feldman, and Silas Graham; his sister Gina (Thomas) Grogean of Maine; his brothers Peter (Nicole) Barnes and Bob (Encar Card) Barnes of California; his stepson Nathan (Ezgi Tiryaki) Pankratz of St. Paul MN; his stepdaughter Annemarie Katz of Chicago; and devoted friends John Boyer and Gina Lyman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity (1011 E. 22nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or www.indyhabitat.org), Joy's House (2820 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220, www.joyshouse.org), or a disaster relief agency of your choice. Tom's family would like to express their deep gratitude to the nursing staff of The Courtyards at Friends Fellowship Community for their gentle care and attention these past three years.

A service celebrating Tom's life will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6050 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis on Wednesday, December 12 at 10 a.m., with a reception and visitation following.