Dr. H Michael Barnes (age 80) died on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. He was a devoted husband, Father and Friend to all. Visitation will be held at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS from 10:00 to 11:00 on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Immediately followed by a Celebration of Life Service officiated by his long-time friend Mike Sanders. Graveside Services will be held in a private family ceremony following the service.
HM “DOC” Barnes was born June 9, 1943 in Long Beach, California and grew up in Baytown, TX. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1961 and was a proud Gander where he played football and received a football scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU). Doc went on to graduate from LSU with his BS in Forestry and Material Science (MS) Forest Products Technology before going to SUNY at Syracuse School of Environmental Science and Forestry to receive his PhD in Wood Material Science.
Dr. Barnes was a Warren S. Thompson Emeritus Professor of Wood Science and Technology. He retired in 2022 after 51 years with Mississippi State School of Forest Resources where he helped establish the Forest Product Laboratory.
Among his professional achievements, Dr. Barnes served in leadership to many of his professional associations. During his career he received many professional awards: 2016 Regions Bank-MSU DAFVM Superior Faculty Award for Service, 2015 LSU School of Renewal Natural Resources Hall of Fame, 2008 Society of Wood Science and Technology Distinguished Service Award, 2008 Forest Products Society Distinguished Service Award, 2007 Society of Wood Science and Technology Fellow, 2006 International Academy of Wood Science Fellow, 2006 Railway Tie Association Award of Merit, 2005 MSU Office of Research and Economic Development Ralph E Powe Research Excellence Award, 2004 LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources Alumnus of the Year, 2004 American Wood Protection Association Award of Merit, 2002 Forest Products Society Gottschalk Award, 1988 Institute of Wood Science (now Institute of Mining, Minerals and Materials) Fellow. Besides the many distinguished awards he received over his career, he was most proud of the of students he impacted around the world having received the Teacher of the Year from the Mississippi State University Forest Products Society Student Chapter.
“DOC” was also the former Scoutmaster of Troop 45 in Starkville. During his lifelong commitment to the Boy Scouts of America, Doc had influenced thousands of young men having received the Silver Beaver Award, the District Award of Merit Pushmataha Area Council, the Cross and Flame First United Methodist Church, Woodbadge Scoutmaster, The Book of Golden Deeds from the Exchange Club, as well as the Key to the City of Starkville. He had also received his Eagle Scout and the Explorer Silver Medal. Besides his awards, the stories from his time as Scoutmaster Troop 45 are ones that will be told at campfires for many more years.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Martha L. Barnes, his parents HF “Red” Barnes and Ruth Puckett Barnes. And his brother David Barnes. He is survived by, his sons Bryan (Dalila) of Little Mountain, SC, Brooks of Starkville, MS, Brandon (Anna) of Corvallis, OR, and Brett of Dayton, Ohio and his grandchildren Matthew, Caleb, Catlin, and Casey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to your favorite charity to honor his lifelong service to others.
