Wayne McKay Barnes, 87, of Richland Center, formerly of Hillsboro, died Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Schmitt Woodland Hills.

He was born July 31, 1927 in Dayton Township, the son of Leroy Alfred and Mona Ellen (Wanless) Barnes. On Feb. 10, 1949 Wayne married Jean Kepler in Boaz. The couple farmed in Sabin for 10 years before moving to Hillsboro to farm for 39 years. Wayne loved his Registered Holsteins and was named the Outstanding Young Farmer of Richland County in 1960. 

He played softball, baseball euchre, piano, and the Alto Sax. Wayne was a fan of the Green Bay Packers. He and Jean traveled to Weslaco, Texas for 13 winters.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean of Richland Center; three children: Vickie (Michael) Schumann of Reedsburg, Kent (Salena) Barnes of Hillsboro, Kurt (Lisa) Barnes of Kiel; six grandchildren: Ashley, Tiffany, Jared, Kate, Tim, Whitney; eleven great-grandchildren; brother: Dean (Mary) Barnes of Henderson, NV; brother-in-law: Bob Johnson of Slinger; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Beverly Johnson.
The family wishes to thank Schmitt Woodland Hills for their care of loving Wayne.  The family of Wayne will carry on his legacy by sponsoring on an annual award at the District 2 Junior Holstein Show.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the First Congregational Church in Hillsboro at 11 a.m.  Friends may call at the First Congregational Church on Saturday  from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m.  The family suggests memorials in Wayne’s name be directed to GRACE.  The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.  prattfuneralservice.com