Walter Barnes
It is with tremendous sadness that we share that our Walter Barnes (70), passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, July 2, 2018.
Walter was born in Bunkie, Louisiana (population 4,064) on February 22, 1948. Walter’s father was a brakeman on the rails and Walter carried the travel bug with him into his young adulthood travelling across the country living in places as far away as Arizona and Colorado before settling down to find a career in Houston.
(L) Walter and (R) Ron Royall circa 1999
Walter married Mary Jane Barnes in 1980 and was recruited to Business Extension Bureau (BEB) in August of 1981 by our founder, Robert “Bob” Royall. Walter was known for his mechanical talent and extensive knowledge of the United States Postal Service rules and regulations. It has been said that Walter could listen to the sound of a machine and know what was wrong with it; and his expertise with all things postal earned him the nick name “Mail Guru” as he was considered a Houston Postal Industry Leader.
Walter and Rachel Alba – 35yrs + BEBers
Walter was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Bunkie Masonic Lodge #326, and a member of the Scottish Rite, Order of DeMolay. He was a recipient of the Chevalier, the highest honor for distinguished DeMolay service that can be awarded.
Walter loved his family and was an excellent chef. All of us at BEB miss his culinary skills and Angel Vierna tells the story of how Walter was the only person who gave her the secret to making “the best” biscuits ever! Walter also loved his LSU Tigers, and would often recount in detail how special Saturday nights at Tiger Stadium were to him. We at BEB will always remember the daily Domino games between Walter and Bob.
Our BEB family mourn the loss of Walter and our thoughts and prayers are with his family through this trying time.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary Jane and son Wally.
Visitation services are on Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 5pm – 8pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas 77598.
The funeral service is on Friday, July 6, 2018 from 10am – 1pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas 77598.
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