Obituary: Barnes, Wilbur Earl
Age 88
He was born in Prineville, OR on August 9, 1924 to Gail and Stella (Hagey) Barnes.
Wilbur graduated from Burns High School in 1942 and joined the Army Air Corps.
He joined the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
Wilbur retired as Lt. Col from the Air Force in 1973.
Most of his career was served at Fairchild AFB where he flew multiple engine aircrafts during his 30 year career.
The last aircraft Wilbur flew as Aircraft Commander was the B-52 Bomber.
The year before he retired, Wilbur became Squadron Commander for the Field Maintenance Squadron in Utopia, Thailand.
Wilbur fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War.
In October 1943, Wilbur married Ferne (Tiller).
Ferne preceded Wilbur in death in 1987.
A son, Barry Barnes, passed away in 1953.
Wilbur is survived by his wife, Barbara (Nate) Barnes; daughter, Deborah (William) Benish of Newport, WA; son Daniel Barnes of Spokane; and niece, Rebecca Tiller of Spokane.
Wilbur’s final resting place will be with Ferne at Fairmount Memorial Cemetery.
Services are being cared for by Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, Spokane.
Memorial donations may be made in Wilbur Barnes name to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Association of Spokane.