More detail on this person: Walter (Wally) E. Barnes III was born May 16, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, and died February 4, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jr. and Margaret, younger brother Thomas, son-in-law Dan Baisden, and wife Anne of 69 years. Wally is survived by his children, Bill (Rose), Karen, and Cindy; his sister, Barbara Reynolds; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Wally enjoyed spending his summers at his grandparents' farm, bucking bales of hay and training his horse Ted, with whom he showed at Vermillion County Fairs. Wally always referred to the farm as "The Happy Place!" As a teenager, he worked in his parents' Chicago drug store. Wally graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in agriculture. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, taking Anne away from her studies (she would later graduate from the University of Texas), where they ended up traversing the country and overseas with 16 family moves, and sending Wally to various other places around the globe. Wally's major career assignments were as a co-pilot and pilot of a B-47 as part of the Strategic Air Command, knowing the awesome responsibility of the power he wielded along with his crew. During the Vietnam War, he transitioned to flying the famed Jolly Green Giant H-3 rescue helicopter with the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service, whose official motto is "That Others May Live!". He proudly served with so many others who gave of themselves to save others. After his 30-year career, he enjoyed a lengthy retirement in Albuquerque, where he was able to enjoy his passion for skiing into his nineties, being devoted to his family and friends, and serving in different ministries with his church, most notably in visitation. He truly made the transition from warrior to being a Christ-like servant as a kind and gentle man. Wally's greatest example of service was as he tenderly cared for Anne, especially the last years of her life, when her mind was lost to dementia. We are comforted by our firm faith in the resurrection, that he has been reunited with Anne and those who have gone before, and is in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Donations in memory of Wally can be made to his church, Sandia Fellowship Global Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.
This information was last updated 06/19/2026
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Date posted on this site: 07/15/2026
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