Graham Burdick Barnes, 88, of Titusville, Florida, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2022. Born July 17, 1934 in North Hornell, NY, he was the son of the late Herbert John Barnes and Dorothy Ormsby Barnes. He grew up in Arkport, NY and graduated from Arkport Central High School. He went to work with the New York Telephone and Telegraph Company, was drafted into the US Army for two years, was honorably discharged and resumed his employment with NYT&T. He retired from Verizon on December 31, 1991.
Graham was married to Maxine J. Wylie (who preceded him in death) for 39 years. Graham was active in the Gang Mills/Painted Post communities. He was a volunteer with AIM. He was a loyal member of the Corning-Painted Post Masonic Lodge, Chapter 351 for 66 years. As a Patron and Grand Lecturer, he was active in the Eastern Star along side his wife, Maxine who was Grand Matron. He was recognized for his active service in the Gateway Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers of America where he and Maxine repaired the “Talking Books” for the blind in the Elmira/Corning area.
Because of his love for his job, he engaged in the hobby of collecting telephone and telegraph glass insulators. He attended/hosted local and regional shows, met his second wife, Jacqueline Clark Linscott and they were married in 2001. He was an NIA 50 year member and co-hosted two of the National Insulator Associations’ Conventions & Shows in 2007 and 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Over the years he collected antique telephones and Cooper Rockers. He loved history and he enjoyed being in the woods to watch the wildlife (especially the deer and wild turkeys).
His most community-minded time was the 40+ years in the various positions he filled with the local and county Fire Departments: Captain for one year, Fire Commissioner for the Forest View Fire Dept. for forty years, Chairman of the Fire District for sixteen years, EMT of the Southern Tier for fifteen years, President of the Steuben Firemens’ Association for two years, and overseeing the construction of the new Forest View Fire Department building.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Herbert Barnes, his twin brother, Grant Ormsby Barnes; sister-in-law, Anne M. Barnes and step-grandson, Kendall L. Bledsoe.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jacqueline Clark Linscott-Barnes; son, Jeffery G. Barnes (Michelle); daughter, Suzanne Barnes-Stinson (Dave); Step-daughter, Laura L. Bledsoe (Jim); Grandsons, Jeffery Barnes, Grant Barnes, Aaron Stinson, Zane Stinson, Cameron Stinson; sister-in-law, Ruth Barnes; step-granddaughters, Ashley Terwilliger (Lucas) and Brittany Spence (Nick); step-grandson, Jimmie C. Bledsoe, III (Gabrielle). He is survived by great-grandchildren Lillian & Liam Terwilliger, Olivia Spence & Salem Skinner-Barnes and numerous nieces and nephews.
An announcement of a “Celebration of Life” will be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in memory of Graham and/or make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in memory of Graham.
Published in The Spectator-Evening Tribune