Garol "Gary" Barmes

Garol "Gary" Barmes, age 75, of Vincennes, IN, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at home surrounded by his wife and children. Gary was born on August 31, 1946, to the late Cleo and Ruby Barmes. He was raised south of Vincennes in the Beal area. His childhood and teen years were full of mischief and driving too fast in his GTO. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964 and shortly thereafter joined the National Guard, where he served for six years. He met Janel in 1967. After dating for two years (minus a short break-up when she told him she loved him and, in his words, "he ran like a scalded dog"), they married in 1969. Saint Janel put up with his relentless teasing for 52 years. Their love was the type of love that overlooked all faults and stayed true to their vow to love each other for better or worse, in sickness and in health. They built a family on the foundation of faith and raised three children together. Gary was a carpet installer for 42 years. His work ethic was unquestionable, and so was his gift of gab. He never met a stranger. It didn't matter if he was installing carpet in a person's home, talking to a Lowe's employee, a random person in a check-out line, or the person pumping gas next to him; he always had something to say. To say that he never met a stranger may be the understatement of the century, as he would sometimes share personal details about his wife and children with the person behind him in line at Kmart (much to his family's embarrassment!) Gary worked long hours but always had time for his family. When he worked close enough to home when the kids were little, he would come home at lunch to spend time with them. At night, Gary would come home exhausted from a long day and sing each kid to sleep in his beautiful baritone voice. As they grew, he would take them to work with him. Even though the work was hard, that time together was priceless. He was always ready to help a friend, and if something was broke, he could fix it. He was self-taught in everything he did; he could fix a car, plumb a house, wire about anything, or create a tool to do what he needed to get done. If that didn't work, he would grab some duct tape and work magic. All of this was accomplished between RC breaks and plenty of conversation. In later years, Gary enjoyed riding his motorcycle, woodworking, knife making, watching old westerns, and continuing to pester his bride. He loved his family well and always told them, "Don't cry for me when I am gone; I'll be in heaven." His wish was for people to remember the happy memories and stories. In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his children, Shelley (Jeff) Kinnett, Vicki (Dan) Bernath, and Timothy (Amber) Barmes. Six grandchildren, Cooper Bernath, Mac Bernath, Elliott Carey, Loreli Barmes, Maxwell Barmes, and Alex Kinnett, and siblings, Marvin (Barbara) Barmes, Peggy Fields, Carol (Jim) Rabold, as well as several nieces and nephews. Gary was known for being stubborn; the family has decided to honor the old coot's wishes and not have funeral services. We should say they are honoring only part of his wishes; they refused to dig a hole in the backyard and put him in! The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of cremation arrangements.