Leo Barnes, 76, passed away Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 in his home in Biloxi, MS.

Leo was born in Gulfport, MS to the late Deacon Earl Leo Barnes and Laura Alberta Hart. As the second of four children, Leo was an industrious child and landed his first job at age eleven. He worked as a caddy on the golf courses of Biloxi beside his older brother, Winston, with the help of their mentor, Uncle Willie. He soon moved into food service with his father at Keesler Air Force Base.

After graduation from Nichols High School in Biloxi, MS, Leo headed to San Francisco, CA where he moved in with his Aunt Geraldine and Uncle Fred. He worked in construction with Uncle Fred. He later joined the US Navy where he served for four years in San Diego, CA, became skilled in electronics, and received an honorable discharge.

On October 31, 1965 and July 15, 1967, Leo welcomed his most prized possessions into the world, his daughter, Michelle, and son, Michael. He became the most loving and adored father. After retiring from the Navy, he moved to San Jose, CA with his new family, purchased his first home, and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University.

Soon after, Leo accepted a position in human resources at Varian Associates where he worked for many years before starting his own consulting business. He met and married the love of  his life, Renee Crawford, while working at Varian, and they shared thirty beautiful years together.

California was known for being rich in gold, and they hit the mother-load when their son, Matthew, entered their lives. He was the icing on the cake for their family. They explored many places around the world together, enjoyed countless trips to jazz festivals, and the beautiful wine country in Napa, CA.

Leo was fun-loving and full of jokes and pranks. As the life of the family, he kept everyone laughing. But he was also an amazing listener. Leo had a gentle spirit that made you feel like his good friend, a quality shared with all who met him.

Leo loved all sports. He especially loved to play golf, and his favorite sports team were the 49ERs and Golden State Warriors.  Leo could be found playing Sudoku on any given day . . . along with putting together countless jigsaw puzzles.

People who've met him said, "He's the nicest guy I've ever met." He leaves a legacy of always being there for you and being a truly honorable man.

Leo was preceded in death by his father, Earl Barnes, mother, Laura Hart, his wife, Renee Crawford Barnes, his father-in-law, Bill Crawford, his eldest son, Michael Barnes, his eldest brother, Winston, and his sisters, Vivian Evans and Leona Dudley.  He is survived by his daughter, Michelle-Renee Johnson, his son, Matthew "JK" Barnes, his sisters, Lesley Barnes and Evelyn Barnes, his younger brother, Theodore "Ted" Barnes (Sandra), his mother-in-law, Clemmye Crawford, his brother-in-law, Bill Crawford (Martha), his sister-in-law, Ella Barnes, his three grandchildren, Andrew Owens, Zachary Owens, and Desiree Johnson, eight great-grandchildren, and his God-daughters, Melina Greene and Aral Greene. He also leaves to cherish him a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and friends.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.