Funeral services for Ward D. Barnes, age 49, of Dickinson, ND formerly of Lemmon, SD will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lemmon. Pastor Tom Penning will officiate with burial at the Union Cemetery north of Lemmon.


Ward D. Barnes was born on October 21, 1960 in Lemmon, SD to Guy and Irene (Jensen) Barnes. Choosing a first name was obvious; it had to start with "W". Choosing a middle name was not so easy. After many suggestions by his siblings, none of which got unanimous support, a middle initial of "D" was chosen and the nickname 'Wardy' was born.


Having six older brothers and sisters meant that Ward was carried everywhere and included in almost everything practically from the day he came home from the hospital. When it became obvious that Ward was not walking on schedule, doctors were consulted and the sad diagnosis of cerebral palsy was given. Later epilepsy was added to the list of maladies.


At age 17, Ward was moved to the Grafton State School, where he remained until moving to the ABLE home in Dickinson, ND on January 6, 1986. He spent the next 24 years surrounded by loving caregivers and friends who soon became an extension of his own family.


One of Ward's loves was flying in airplanes. His brothers-in-law, Lonnie or Bob, would fly to Grafton or Dickinson to get Ward so he could come to Lemmon for family events, family reunions, Christmas or just to visit. Once Bob was flying Ward home and they hit some turbulent weather. Ward was bounced around pretty good, and with every bounce, Bob would yell "BOOM!" Ever after, Bob was 'Boom-Boom' as far as Ward was concerned. Ward was always happy just to be included in what his family was doing, whether it was eating dinner out together, fishing, shopping, boating, bowling, having ice cream at McDonald's, or even watching his brothers and sisters play a game of pinochle.


Ward loved the color blue, and given the choice he would always choose a blue shirt, pants or baseball cap. Wardy loved his family and friends and always greeted them with a handshake or a high-five and his ever present smile. It can truly be said that Ward taught his family more about life then they could have ever taught him.


Ward passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Dickinson.


Grateful for having shared in Ward's life are his three brothers and one sister-in-law, Walter Barnes, Wayne and Vicki Barnes and Willard Barnes, all of Lemmon, SD; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Delilah and Ron Holdahl, Bernita Barnes, all of Lemmon, SD and Mary and Robert Holdahl, Yankton, SD; 13 nieces and nephews, Brad (Carrie) Derschan, Brooke (Casey) Dauwen, Brenda Derschan, Chad (Jocelyn) Barnes, Michael (Dottie) Barnes, Nikki (Brandon) Schmiesing, Marisa Barnes, Matthew (Stacey) Barnes, Courtney (Dakota) Hulm, Heath (Amanda) Holdahl, Tessa (Rodney) Hanson, Navah Holdahl and Ethan Thom; 15 great-nieces and nephews and two on the way; and a host of family and friends at the ABLE Home in Dickinson, ND.


Wardy was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Irene Barnes, one brother, William Barnes and a twin brother in infancy; one sister, Linda Barnes; two brothers-in-law, Adam Derschan and Lonnie Thom; and two nephews, Nathan Barnes and Jim Holdahl.


Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.


A memorial has been established to the ABLE Home in Dickinson, ND.