Talmadge Dayton Barnes

Talmadge Dayton Barnes, 86 of Iraan, passed away in Abilene in the home of his son, Todd, on Friday, November 7, 2014, with his long-time companion, Lacey, by his side. A memorial service will be held in his honor at the Iraan First Baptist Church, 421 Harte Street in Iraan, Texas on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 2:00 pm.

Talmadge was born on June 3, 1928 in Iraan, Texas to Dewey and Zora Wilson Barnes. Following the death of his father at an early age, Talmadge went to work to help support the family as a truck driver at the age of 15. He would continue this until January of 1946 when the Department of the Navy came calling. Talmadge entered into military service in San Diego, California and served in the Navy until his honorable discharge in October of 1947. Upon his return to civilian life, Talmadge returned to truck driving. He would spend many years, and many miles, behind the wheel of a tractor trailer. He would eventually end up working with North American Van Lines as a driver in several division of the company and then would retire as a Safety Supervisor after a 27 year career. After his retirement from North American, Talmadge returned to work as a Driver Trainer and Road Tester for Triple Crown Trucking, from 1990 to 1999.

Talmadge was also a Mason and was active in a number of organizations, including DeKalb Masonic #214, Eastern Star #103 Auburn, Scottish Rite, York Rite and York Rite College #55, Mizpah Shrine, Tall Cedars, Middletown PA Moose, American Legion Indianapolis #777, Yeoman of York and Allied Masonic.

Talmadge was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Zora Barnes, his beloved wife, Patricia Barnes, sister Dell Neiderhoffer, brother Dewey Barnes II, and a nephew, Sandy Brooks. Talmadge is survived by his five children; daughters Dixie Bird of Iraan, Texas; Debora Bright of Iraan and Diane Robertson of Big Lake, Texas; and sons Scot Fredrickson of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Todd Barnes of Abilene and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces, Gay Brooks of Iraan and Janet Caldwell of Brownwood, Texas, and a nephew, Scott Stenson of Dallas.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.