Arthur Barnes Jr.

Arthur Mayo Barnes Jr.,71, of Chester, TX, passed away on May 31, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Art was born on July 1, 1954, in Woodville, TX. He was the son of Arthur and Iva Barnes. Art graduated from Chester High School in 1972 and soon after married Oveita Barnes.

Art was an entrepreneur in the logging industry, starting with his first business B&R Logging and continuing into Barnes Logging and Trucking. He was often called upon by many for advice if there was a problem related to the forestry industry. Art was well known and respected in East Texas.

Above all, his greatest joy came from his family and spending time with his grandchildren with a fishing pole in hand. Art was called “Paw” by his grandchildren and “Uncle Buck” by many. He was a man of quiet strength.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Mayo Barnes, Sr. (Pete), and mother, Iva Josie Barnes; his niece, Sonya Petri; his sister, Jo Carolyn Sturrock, and brother-in-law, Harold Sturrock.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Oveita Barnes; his children, Zeblin and Ashley Barnes, and Michelle and Josh Clarke; his grandchildren, Mason Richard, Meagan Clarke, J.D. Clarke, Cole Clarke, Kinsley Barnes, and Ava Clarke. Surviving sister Barbara Petri and spouse Floyd Petri; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Brad Davison, Cole Clarke, J.D Clarke, Mason Richard, Wade Sturrock, and Waylon Sturrock.

A special thank you to Carrie and Ray McKnight.

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