Duke Barnes

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Duke Wayne Barnes on September 6, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 58. He was born on March 30, 1968, in Houston, Texas, to John Elliott Jackson and Frances Ann (Miller) Jackson. 

Duke’s parents' divorced when he was very young. Afterwards Frances and her children moved in with her parents, Roger Lee and Helen Frances Miller, in Mission, Kansas. 

Duke’s mother married Charles W. Barnes Jr. in 1973 and they moved to Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1976 Duke and his 3 siblings were adopted by their stepfather. Next came four years in Germany, followed by Farfax, Virginia.

Duke graduated from Robinson High School in Virginia where he played football and was in marching band. An avid reader, Duke could often be found engrossed in books, exploring new worlds and ideas. Music was another cornerstone of his life, providing a soundtrack to his many adventures. 

Duke's professional and educational journey was as varied as it was dedicated. As an aspiring comic book artist, Duke attended art school New Jersey until suffering a hand injury. 

Duke then moved back to Kansas, and worked at a local grocery store chain where he met and worked with his future wife, Miriam Bullard. The stores closed in 1993 and they lost touch but met again years later online. 

In the intervening years Duke worked as a ranch hand in New Mexico, had a bit of fun doing rodeos, and his passion for animals led him to study veterinary science at Dodge City, KS and at Mississippi State reflecting his lifelong affection for horses and the natural world. 

Duke moved back to Kansas, worked in finance and eventually married Miriam in May 2016. They lived in Overland Park and Kansas City, KS. 

Duke retired early after a spider bite and complications from diabetes caused end stage renal failure, multiple strokes, and many heart issues. He passed after a long battle with these multiple medical problems. 

Duke was a loving husband to Miriam Bullard, who was his steadfast companion. He is survived by his father, Charles W. Barnes Jr., who instilled in him the virtues of integrity and perseverance. Duke's siblings, Karl Barnes, Shelly Ferrette, and Bret Barnes, along with his stepsister Mary and stepmother Phyllis Barnes, remain to cherish his memory and continue his legacy. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Frances Ann Miller Jackson Barnes, his biological father John Elliott Jackson, and his grandparents, Roger Lee Miller and Helen Frances Miller, whose spirits welcomed him home. 

In his passing, Duke leaves behind not only a mourning family but also a legacy of warmth, resilience, and kindness. His presence will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. As we remember Duke Wayne Barnes, we celebrate a life well lived and a man deeply loved.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Amos Family Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 22, also at the Amos Family Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest following the funeral at Shiloh Cemetery, north of California, Missouri.