Carrie Lou Hale Barnes passed from this life at the age of 86. She was born in Corsicana, Texas, and was the third child of William Green Hale and Rena Kate Stockard Hale. The family lived in Dawson for the first few years of her life before moving to McGregor for a short while and finally settling in Gatesville when she was five years of age. Her father owned and operated a small grocery store and gasoline service station. Carrie always had very fond memories of the store, the time she helped there, and her growing up years. She attended Gatesville public schools, graduating in the Gatesville High School Class of 1958. She developed many close friendships which continued throughout the remainder of her life.

After high school, Carrie left home to attend Tarleton State College. She completed one year before taking a break from school to marry a boy from Hamilton who she had met at the Dairy Queen in Gatesville. Talley Barnes became the love of her life, and their marriage lasted 66 years. They began their life together in Waco where Talley worked as a fireman. They had two sons, Jeffery Wayne and Ronald Blake. Carrie worked in the home while the boys were little but eventually returned to school at Baylor University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. The family bought a home and moved to Crawford where she taught for the next 28 years. She loved teaching 2nd grade, cared deeply about her students and developed some special forever friendships with her teaching colleagues. The Barnes family had a good life in Crawford where they worshipped at the First Baptist Church, attended sporting events, especially those in which their boys became involved, and had many wonderful friends and neighbors. They welcomed two grandsons, Brad and Joey, who were the light of their lives. Carrie was very family oriented, always visiting and keeping in touch with many family members.

Tragedy struck the family when their younger son, Blake, lost his life to cancer at the age of 31. After that devastating event, both Carrie and Talley retired and took some time to recover. They did quite a bit of traveling and continued their interest in sports (especially University of Texas games and all things pertaining to their beloved Crawford Pirates).

Some of Carrie’s interests through the years included shopping, bowling, square dancing, watching sports (especially watching Kevin Durant play basketball), eating out, playing dominos, and just spending time with friends. She was a very kind, gentle, and caring person. She loved her Lord and served Him with gladness. She will be missed by so many loved ones and friends!

Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, her son Ronald Blake Barnes, her brothers and their wives, Amon Hale and wife Raye Jean, and Billie Hale and wife Oneta. She is survived by her beloved husband, Talley Barnes; her son, Jeff Barnes; two grandsons, Brad and Joseph Barnes, nieces and nephews and other extended family. She is also survived by a host of friends and a loving church family.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Claxton, Brock Jacobs, Greg Jacobs, Brad Kendrick, Robert Murphy and Randall Whitney.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.