Royce Dale Barnes

Royce Dale Barnes, 86, of Keller passed away from this life on June 30, 2023.  Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Krestridge Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 8, 2023, in the Krestridge Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the City of Levelland Cemetery.

Royce was one of eleven children born to Elbert Monroe and Odie Faye (Bowers) Barnes on August 24, 1936, in Levelland.  He graduated from Levelland High School in 1954 where he was a very successful student-athlete in football, basketball, and baseball.  He played football at Baylor University before transferring to play at Hardin Simmons University and graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1959.  He also received a master’s degree from West Texas State University in 1968.  Royce was drafted into the Army before being honorably discharged during a time of military peace in our country.

Royce was married to Charlotte Ann Collins on August 29, 1959, and they later adopted three children, Ricky in 1963, Lori in 1966 and Kara in 1970.  His kids always meant the world to him.

He was a coach, teacher, and administrator, spending his entire professional career through numerous leadership positions in secondary education, including in Hale Center, Lubbock, Muleshoe, Plainview, Quanah and Seminole.  He enjoyed all sports and was known to travel throughout the South Plains and West Texas to attend high school games, wherever his students were playing at the time. 

Royce was a Baptist Deacon and enjoyed the music program of every church he attended, often leading, and participating in the choir.  He played golf with friends, traveled with his wife, and was always somewhere with members of his large extended family.  Late in life, Royce and Charlotte moved to Keller to be closer to their three children.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Monroe Barnes and Odie Faye Barnes; brothers Donald Barnes, Jack Gammon and Doug Barnes; sisters, Odie Faye Walker, Mildred Childress, Eva Ann Vaughn, Bo Cooper and Eddie Flow Holloway; and his wife, Charlotte Barnes.

He is survived by his children, son, Rick Barnes and wife Sheila; daughter, Lori Arnett and husband Alvin; daughter Kara Barnes and partner Gary; grandchildren, Lance Mills and Lita Mills; great-grandchild Layla; brother David Barnes; sisters, Linda Burns and Eula Jane Funk; and too many nieces and nephews to list. 

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home.  (806) 897-1111