Don Barnes, 60, passed away peacefully in Colorado Springs, Colorado Tuesday, February 27th.

Born in Glendive MT to Kathleen and Buddy Barnes on June 5, 1963. He grew up in Sheridan WY with 4 siblings, surrounded by a great family support system. Don also made lifelong friends there. All these folks helped shape the amazing, easygoing, warm and witty man he was.

Widely known as "Donny" he played lots of sports growing up but loved basketball most and played in high school with all his fellow freakishly tall friends - they were referred to as the redwoods of Sheridan. As he got older, he enjoyed a round of golf, biking, music and long walks.

His Love of sports never waning, he was a “dad”-a base of sports trivia and factoids, remembering specific plays from games long ago. His friends always called him “Superfan”.

After high school he went to tech school in Arizona as he always had an affinity for electronics. He could fix just about any electrical device.

After tech school he lived in Dallas and worked on top secret government electronics. But spent most his adult life on the front range of Colorado.

He worked in Boulder, CO at Geo (formerly BI) for 30 years. He met his partner Carlotta at work, they shared their lives for 35 years. Together they raised two daughters, Kassie Jamison and Shawna Barnes.

Don started learning to play the bass at 28. He loved learning a good rock tune as well as composing his own songs. He was in several bands even into his 50s.

Always an audiophile he loved sharing his appreciation for music with others. Well known for his “feature four” mix tapes and epic concert stories (like seeing U2 open for J Geils Band).

While sports and music were just some of his passions his true happy place was spending time with his family and friends. His joy and spirit lives on in every dad joke and every great song. Every golf round and every great sports moment shared with friends and family.

Preceded in death by his parents Buddy and Kathleen as well as his two beautiful sisters Becky and Lynne, his nephew Andrew and his Aunt Vicky.

Survived by his partner Carlotta, his daughter Kassie and her partner Lucas. His daughter Shawna and her partner Barrett. As well as his grandsons Brian, Logan, Tatum and Graham. His brothers Tom (Rosanne) and Ron (Mindy), his sister-in-law Jayne, brother-in-law Curt, nieces Kayla and Amanda, and nephew Ralph. As well as all his extended family and his beloved friends including you who are reading this, please know he loved you very much.

In lieu of flower or cards please donate to a local charity that supports children with autism.

Online condolences can be sent at https://everloved.com/life-of/donald-barnes

The Sheridan Press - Mar. 1, 2024.