OBITUARY

Conrad (C.P.) Paul Barnes, age 94, of Monroe passed away on April 5, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1930 in Headland, Alabama to the late Beatrice Kirkland Barnes and the late Cratus Barnes. He was preceded in death by his daughter: the late Beth Barnes Beasley.

Conrad was called up from the National Guard in January, 1951 to the Korean War, where he served until his discharge in late 1952. He began his college studies at the University of Alabama but preferred the smaller environment at Troy State for completion of his degree in 1956.

He soon began his employment at John Deere, where he remained for thirty years. Beginning in Atlanta, Conrad soon found an assignment at Deere Acres in Monroe.

After an evening shift at Walton County Hospital, nurse Norma Carr and a friend stopped by the Frezette on Spring Street for a late meal. Sporting a new ’57 Chevy Bel Air, Norma was approached by Conrad and a friend who persuaded them to go for a drive.

Beginning that night, Norma and Conrad would continue that drive for 67 years. Daughter Beth Lorraine was born in 1959. Soon afterward, the couple enjoyed life in Montgomery, Alabama where Conrad traveled widely as a territory superintendent. Before moving for a short residence in Pensacola, Florida, Laura Ruth joined the family.

One of Conrad’s largest periods of work began in Lutherville, Maryland. After moving from Southern roots, time allowed affection for an appreciation of the people and marvelous seafood. The last Deere move was to Wilmington, North Carolina. Although short, Norma and Conrad never truly left as they enjoyed a beach home in nearby Myrtle Beach for decades.

When time came for retirement, Monroe beckoned; they enjoyed a home in the neighborhood where Norma grew up. There Conrad started his woodworking projects: bookshelves for relatives, bird houses, and ramps for those whose homes needed them. In a final move, this work continued in “The Barn.”

As president of the Kiwanis Club, a deacon at First Baptist Church – Conrad was not only present but active in every sponsored activity. FISH was most special to him.

His heart, however, was welded to his family, every division of it. His energy was constant in giving love and aid.

Surviving are wife: Norma Barnes; daughter: Laura Pakula (Louis); sister: Dianne Starr; grandchildren: Rebekah Hartley, Gordon Beasley, Frank Pakula, Elizabeth Pakula; great grandchildren: Harrison Hartley and Reed Hartley.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm at First Baptist Monroe, with funeral services following at 3:00 pm with Todd Ware officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Meadows Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.meadowsfuneralhomeinc.com