Jerry Barnes

Jerry Dean Barnes, 87, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 30, 2025, at Fieldstone in DeWitt.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service time of 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Burial and Military Rites will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Born April 13, 1937, in Missouri Valley, Iowa, to Perry and Myrtle Barnes, Jerry grew up with a strong sense of duty and integrity. He graduated from South Tama High School before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. On October 17, 1959, he married the love of his life, Wanda Rae Dvorak, at the United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine, Iowa. Jerry proudly served the city of Grinnell as both a police officer and volunteer firefighter. Settling in DeWitt in 1966, he went on to dedicate 19 years of his career to the Iowa State Patrol, where he was known for his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his community. After retiring from the force in 1985, he continued his professional life with Clinton Community College's admissions department and later as a security officer at Lady Luck Casino in Bettendorf, where he enjoyed meeting and looking out for others.

A man of quiet strength and deep kindness, Jerry was devoted to his family and community. He was a proud member of the American Legion, the Scottish Rite, and the Masonic Lodge, organizations that reflected his lifelong values of service, honor, and brotherhood. He cherished time with his family, found great joy in his grandchildren, and valued the companionship of his special friend, Red O’Toole, and his beloved cat, Sophie.

He is survived by his son, Bradley (Lisa) Barnes of Maquoketa; his grandchildren, Abigail Barnes, Austin Barnes, and Perry (Jhenna) Barnes; sisters-in-law, Arlys Moen and LaVonne (Warren) McPherson; nieces and nephews; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wanda, his daughter, Vanesa Barnes, his brothers, Bill (Shirley), and Bob (Phyllis), and sisters-in-law, Maryanna Szabo, Amber (Lincoln) Pitts, and Rita Weber.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be shared at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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