The Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and others associated with HealthVisions Midwest are deeply saddened by the death of our founder, Don Barnes. Don was a champion for the poor and underserved and truly lived out the values of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in serving others. He was a visionary who championed partnerships and he served with a spirit of humility. We are eternally grateful for the work and spirit with which he served and led HealthVisions Midwest for twenty years. Thank You Don for walking in St. Katharina Kasper’s shoes in service to others.

 

 

Donald G. Barnes 66, of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, January 11, 2019 in Hobart. He was born June 19, 1952 in Madison, Indiana to Lyman and Babe Ruth (Shelton) Barnes. On May 18, 1979 in Jeffersontown, Kentucky he married Cynthia J. Albert who passed away August 29, 2018. Don is survived by his children Eric Barnes, Wesley (Marissa) Barnes, Emily Barnes and Kevin (Kelly Bledsoe) Barnes all of Valparaiso, five grandchildren Caleb, Marissa, Leah, Ava and Lincoln. His sisters Brenda (Roy Wright) Brown-Wright of Louisville, KY and Deborah Thorn of Asheville, North Carolina also survive him. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jim

He earned his Master of Science from the University of Louisville while working as a Police Officer. Don worked with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ for 20 years serving in various leadership roles, most recently as President & CEO of HealthVisions Midwest and previously was a Vice President for Ancilla Systems. Don spent much of his life helping the underserved reducing health issues for them as well as spending time with his family.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM on Tuesday, January 15th at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 Monroe St. in Valparaiso. Rev. Douglas Mayer will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Valparaiso. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 12 noon until time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials for Don can be made to Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.