John Charles Barnes

John Charles Barnes, 69, passed away on August 6, 2025 at his home in Uvalde, Texas. 

He was born in Fairfield, California on July 20, 1956 to Charles Miller and Anna Loyce Barnes, both of Texas. The son of an Air Force officer, John grew up in Maryland, Japan, Florida, and Texas, and graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1974. He then went to Texas A&M University, where he received a degree in Wildlife Sciences in 1978. While at Texas A&M, he joined the Aggie Players -- the campus theater club -- where he met his wife, Karen Miller. They were married in Uvalde in 1978, and stayed in College Station to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a veterinarian. He graduated from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984.

 After school, John eventually partnered with two local veterinarians to establish the Southwest Texas Veterinary Medical Center in May of 1988. He was also a state-wide leader in veterinary medicine, and was quick to study changes in diagnostics or the latest updates to better serve his patients. He was a generous doctor, often looking for ways to lessen the financial burden for cash-strapped clients. He also served well beyond Uvalde County: as President of the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice (TAVP) in 1996; by publishing articles in several veterinary medical journals; and in regularly advising local and state authorities on best practices in wildlife rehabilitation. On numerous occasions, he donated his time and energy to volunteer at clinics -- including numerous rabies and vaccination drives -- throughout the region. He never complained when he was “on duty” over nights or weekends. He would always pick up the phone, drive (quickly) to the office, and serve the patient at any and all hours of the day or night. 

John was funny, winsome, and the definition of an extrovert. He loved serving others. He would regularly make sourdough bread to deliver to shut-ins or those who he thought needed a pick-me-up. He used the gift of his amazing tenor voice in myriad ways: in the First Baptist Church choir; as lead singer in the local quartet, 4 Hits and a Miss; and in many community theater productions. He most enjoyed singing about the eternal hope Christians have in Heaven -- where death, crying, and pain shall be no more (Rev. 21:4).

He is survived by his faithful wife, Karen; beloved children Rachel (James) and Riley (Katie); seven grandchildren in whom he delighted (Samuel, Silas, and Livingstone Lee, and Benjamin, Henry, Mary Margaret, and Charles Christopher Barnes (due in November)); his sister, Polly (Bill) and brother, James (Alica); several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Barnes; his sister Molly Pizanie; and his in-laws, Frank and Bette Miller. The family is extremely grateful for the love and expert care of Maria Eugenia Cruz. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2PM at the First Baptist Church of Uvalde. Donations may be made in his honor to the Briscoe Animal Resource Center of Uvalde.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary of Uvalde.