Gerald Burton Barnes, 81 of Manteca, CA, died on May 3, 2026.

He was born in Taft, CA to George and Betty Barnes, and was followed in life by the birth of his brother, Martin Barnes, the following year. He served in the US Army from October 26, 1966 through October 25, 1968, as a member of The Old Guard, and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1972.

He rejoined civilian life as a draftsman for Continental Phone Company, initially working in Taft, then transferring to Manteca, CA where he lived the remainder of his life, with Mary Barnes (nee Gates), his wife of 56 years. In his children's younger years he coached CYO basketball and was an avid woodworker, fisherman and golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Barnes, his children, Clare Smith, Chris (and Angela) Barnes, Brian (and Becky) Barnes and Shannon (and Dino) Biglieri, his grandchildren, Kenneth (and MacKenzie) Trudrung-Doo and Cayden and Jillian Smith, Taylor Barnes, Matthew, Trevor, and Austin Barnes, Dino and George Biglieri, and his only great-grandchild, Henry Trudrung-Doo and his brother Martin Barnes.

A rosary vigil will be held on May 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m at PL Fry and Sons, 290 North Union Road, Manteca, CA. His memorial mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 505 East North Street, Manteca, CA on May 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony's Catholic School, 525 East North St. or a charity of your choice.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Tuesday, May 12, 2026