Richard Barnes

Richard Leonard Barnes, 71, of Faulkton, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Faulkton Healthcare Center.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton.  Private burial will be at a later date.

Richard was born March 20, 1952, to Hazel (Bacon) and Milford Barnes in Redfield, SD. He and his sister Rosetta, were raised in Miller SD. He worked in the grocery business with his parents and graduated from high school in 1970. In 1972, he met the love of his life, Nila Miedema, while attending Huron college. They were married shortly after they met. They moved back to Miller, where their three children, Sylvia, David, and Rachel were born. Richard received God’s call to become a minister while attending Miller Church of the Nazarene under Reverend Dave and Barbara Belzer. Richard graduated from Nazarene Bible College in 1984. He then worked as a minister in several churches across the Dakotas, including Benedict, ND, New Rockford, ND, and Highmore, SD. 

Richard lived with undiagnosed and uncontrolled bipolar disorder for most of his adult life.  In his words, he experienced highs and lows at the same time.  He described his mind as containing a ping pong ball that sometimes erratically bounced through his brain.  This was difficult for him and his family.  When Richard was mentally stable, he was kind and generous.  He helped others in need.  He served God in the words of Christ found in Matthew 25:35-36.  He enjoyed hiking, nature, reading and collecting books, soaking up classical and religious knowledge, music, fantasy football, and the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.  When his mind raced, he was violent and unpredictable.  He eventually lost his family and career.  He became homeless.  

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know” Ephesians 3:18-19. Through Harvest Nazarene Church and Reverend Jim and Lynn Bledsaw, of Twin Cities, MN, Richard was able to stick with his bipolar treatment regimen.  He was able to regain an apartment and a part time job.  He was able to ask forgiveness from his family.  

Richard is survived by his children: Dr. Sylvia (JD) Anderson of Faulkton, David (Theresa) Barnes of Yankton, SD, Rachel (Chris) Miller of Kalispell, MT; grandchildren: Adam (Bailee) Anderson and their daughters Brynlee, Willow, Oaklynn, and Ella, August, and Aidalisa Anderson, Caleb, Luke (Brenna), Calli, and Nathan Barnes, Noelle (Casey) Bell and Naomi Miller; sister, Rosetta (Kenny) Simons; and his precious nieces: Amanda, Kelly, Teresa, and Kristen and their families.  

He is preceded in death by his parents and ex-wife, Nila Potter. 

Richard’s family would like to remind anyone struggling with mental illness that they are not alone.  Please seek help from a trusted minister, doctor, or mental health counselor. If you need immediate help, call the suicide and crisis help line.  Call, chat, or text 988 and a certified crisis specialist is waiting to help 24/7.   “But with God there is forgiveness, so that we can, in reverence, serve Him”.  Psalm 130:4

Richard’s family would like any memorials directed to Faulkton Area Medical Center Foundation’s Doctors scholarship, or the mental health charity of your choice.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Richard's arrangements.