Thomas Preston Barnes passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in the white-framed family home where he was born on November 11, 1933, in Chester, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his wife Julia Katherine Sturrock Barnes, who he faithfully cared for until her death, his parents Carr and Nettie Barnes, and his siblings Maggie Barnes Bryan and husband Alfred, Arthur “Pete” Barnes and wife Iva, Mary Barnes Bigby and husband Chester, brother-in-law M.L. “Roller” Hopson and sister-in-law Bobbie Sturrock Hopson.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Lynn Barnes and wife Tina, Thomas Kendall Barnes and wife Traci, and Richard Keith Barnes and wife Kelli. Also, his grandchildren Jason Barnes and wife Mallory, Doris Rawls and husband Chris, Leslie Melancon and husband Kyle, Clint Tolar and wife Ginny, Jacob Barnes and wife Brittany, Sarah Holmes and husband Cullen, Krissy Barnes, Laken James and husband John, Bethany Miller and husband Jerrod, Julia Bailey and husband Matthew, and Richard Barnes and wife Lyric. Great-grandchildren Ally, Kate, Cody, Cole, Madison, Cara, Caden, Austin, Aspen, Aiven, Carter, Faith, Lidge, Levin, London, Easton, Peyton, Bryton, Boston, Beau, Jessie, Jordan, Jathan, Dillon, Henry, Abel, Cash, Avery, Archie, and Rylie. Also, numerous other family members and friends.
Preston grew up in Chester and married his sweetheart Katherine from Colmesneil. They raised their family in Chester. He worked for Barnes Slaughterhouse and Mahan Plumbing before starting his own business, Barnes Plumbing, where he worked until retirement. He enjoyed hunting, working his land, traveling, playing 42, spending time with friends and family, and attending church.
Visitation was on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. service time at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville with burial folliwng in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Chester, Texas. Officiating was Brother Larry Trest. Serving as pallbearers were: Clint Sturrock, Austin Paine, John Fuller, Jason Citrano, Brigham Bigby, and John Hadnot. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Stevens, Bubba Adams, Charles Ray Barnes, Don Grant, Art Barnes, Steve Watts, and Hoyt Watts.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Enon Baptist Church in Chester.
Special thanks to his caregivers John Hadnot and Silvia Durffield, East Texas Home Health and Olive Branch Hospice.
Services are under the direction of Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville.
