Ronald B. Barnes

Ronald B. Barnes, 78, of New Cumberland, died Thursday, October 3, 2013 in Harrisburg Hospital.
Born in York, PA on April 19, 1935, Ron was a man with a unique combination of intelligence, humor, wisdom, and empathy. He lived his life in enthusiastic exploration of the world and people around him, perpetually fascinated with how things worked. He loved easily and deeply, often giving of himself to others who sought his perspective and counsel to various problems, whether mechanical, intellectual, or philosophical. He was a thoroughly loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His passing was precipitated as a result of his ardent battle with cancer.
A graduate of Wilson High School and Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, Ron was accomplished in athletics (football, tennis and track) and had a keen aptitude for mathematics and engineering. It is from this foundation that he enjoyed a long career in mechanical-electrical design (he was awarded two patents and was an engineer with Berg Electronics and Amp, Inc.). He was also an artist (sketch, oil and photography), an adept writer, a mechanic (he once dissembled and rebuilt a car), a musician (piano), and a construction expert (he once built a two story family home). He served in the Army National Guard and was a former President of Church Counsel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, PA.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane (Harner) Barnes; son Jeffrey Todd Barnes (wife Ann and son Cody) of Santa Maria, CA; son Eric Scott Barnes (wife Maria and sons Kyle and Chase) of Pottstown, PA; and sister Linda Sue Bickel (husband Bill) of Elizabethtown, PA as well as by many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ruth Barnes of Woodlawn, PA.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 in his church. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Wednesday in the church library. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions are respectfully requested to either Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St. Camp Hill, PA 17011 or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 2405 Park Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg PA 17110.
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