Brian R. Barnes, 56, of Oak Park, IL died May 20, 2010 in Northwestern Memorial Hospital after a long illness. He was born Jan. 27, 1954 in Sycamore, IL, the son of Emmett and Pauline Jones Barnes. Brian was a devoted and loving father to his two daughters, Sophia and Daphne.
Brian graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1972, then served in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in England. After returning home, he attended Northern Illinois University where he majored in music/guitar performance, and later attended the graduate program. He also taught guitar at his parent's music store in Rochelle, IL (Barnes Music).
After living in DeKalb, Brian moved to the Chicago area and taught music classes at Waubonsee Community College, and was a guitar instructor at the Imperial School of Music in Geneva. After receiving certification through DePaul University, he worked as a computer programmer at the University of Chicago, and then went on to work as a programmer/analyst at the College of DuPage.
Brian was an accomplished classical and jazz guitarist, playing with numerous bands over the years including jazz (JazzRatz), rock (Phoenix) to classical duos (guitar & flute). The light of his life was his two daughters, and he loved spending time with them, taking them on camping trips, riding the train from Oak Park into the city, and making pancakes and sausage for the girls' Sunday breakfasts. He loved the outdoors, and had a very special place in his heart for his childhood town of Steward, IL, though he loved living in "the city." Brian was very involved in the Ethical Humanist Society of Greater Chicago, and also enjoyed attending various Chicago International Film Festival activities.
Brian is loved and will be missed by daughters Sophia and Daphne Barnes and their mother and special friend Jane Barnes of Oak Park, IL, father Emmett (Marilyn) Barnes of Malta, IL and mother Pauline (Don) Cultra of Rochelle, IL. Sisters Pam (Mark) Bucey of Byron, IL, Nora (Ron) Jeter of Rockford, IL, and Nola (Steve) Addante of Rockford, IL. Also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Predeceased by grandparents Russell and Edith Barnes and William and Helen Jones, and niece Kristen Bucey.
There will be a visitation Tuesday May 25, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St. in Rochelle from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Memorial services will be held Wednesday May 26, at 5:00 P.M. at the Steward United Methodist Church, with a visitation at the church from 4:00 till service time. A memorial has been established.