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Thomas Herndon Barnes

1964 - 2026

BORN

1964

DIED

2026

FUNERAL HOME

Garth Funeral Home, Inc. - Des Arc

221 Main Street

Des Arc, Arkansas

Thomas Barnes Obituary

Thomas Herndon Barnes, age 61, was born on June 15,1964 and passed away on January 29, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Memphis, TN. Thomas was the beloved son of J. Herndon Barnes of Des Arc and Agnes (Thomas) Moore of Batesville, MS.

Tom was a recent resident of Batesville, MS but was a longtime resident of Des Arc.

Thomas, often known as “Uncle Tom”, left a lasting impression on the lives of all who knew him. Tom’s love for Christ was the inspiration behind his reputation as a caregiver in the community. Uncle Tom was always available to offer a cheerful helping hand.

Uncle Tom’s love for life was spread with his guitar in hand. He and his guitar brought joy to special gatherings or at any opportunity that provided a listening ear. As he enjoyed a life of hunting, fishing and sharing his hilarious sense of humor, Tom grew deep, loyal friendships with so many.

Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Bradley Jay Barnes (1957), grandparents: J.D. and Lona Belle Barnes, of Des Arc and C.A. “Shorty” and Lela Thomas, of Perryville, AR. After many years of love and care, Tom lost the love of his life, Cathy Baxter, in 2024.

Thomas leaves behind his father, Herndon Barnes, his mother Agnes Moore and two sisters, Connie (Tony) Williams, of Hernando, MS and Loretta (Randy) Underwood, of Batesville, MS. Uncle Tom is also survived by niece, Jessica Brown, of Olive Branch, MS and nephew, Steven Underwood, of Carbondale, IL. Also surviving Uncle Tom are 6 great nieces and nephews, a great-great nephew and a great-great niece. Tom’s widespread family further includes treasured Aunts, Uncles and cousins, near and far.

Thank you for sharing life and love with our beloved, Uncle Tom.

Any donations in Thomas’s honor may be made to the charity of your choosing.

Published by The News-Enterprise on Feb. 9, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Barnes

19 Entries

Laura & James Quicksall Jimmie Bowling

February 20, 2026

Sending our love and prayers

John Barnes

February 15, 2026

Love you Uncle Tom.

Bobby Trouten

February 12, 2026

Uncle Tom was one of my closest friends. He was with my mama, Cathy for over 20 years. We have spent countless hours playing guitars and singing songs. His love of music was immense. He was a 'human jukebox'. Thomas could play more songs than anyone I've ever met. We are all going to miss him so much.

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Manuel Castleberry

February 10, 2026

Thomas. may God bless you and your family.

Jeanie Martin

February 9, 2026

Thomas Barnes, Uncle Tom, one of the kindest men I've ever known. The loss is heart breaking and is tremendous for all that knew him. I will miss you dearly.

Leona Travis

February 4, 2026

He loved music and strumming his guitar

Sarah

February 1, 2026

Thank you for taking such great care of my Aunt Cathy. I pray you and her are dancing in heaven.

SUE KIRBY

February 1, 2026

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Teresa Gomez

February 1, 2026

Thomas and I went to school together,he was hilarious! Really great guy!
Ill miss you.

Franklin and Margaret Farrish

February 1, 2026

We are sorry to hear of the passing of Thomas. He was a wonderful person.

Marie Mullet Holloway

February 1, 2026

Was sad to hear of his passing. Our paths crossed in 1980 when I moved to DesArc from Indiana, and our paths will cross again

Michelle Barnes

February 1, 2026

My Sincerest Condolences Thomas or as so many called him Uncle Tom lol was a nice guy! Rest in love Thomas ❤

Jeanie (Big Red) Martin

February 1, 2026

Uncle Tom.... one of my dearest friend for so long. The kindest, most patient man I knew. I'm going to miss you everyday. Noone will fill the empty space you have left in my heart but knowing you has made my heart a more tender and loving place. Ms. Cathy and Catfish are with you now im so gonna miss you. Love you and your family and hope God speed in their healing over this sad day.

John and Diantha Barnes

February 1, 2026

Thomas was our nephew and we had some great times working together on the farm. He always added some humor and always a different perspective, no matter the situation. He just looked at things differently! He often joined us at the dinner table and had us in stitches before we were finished. Our kids were always thrilled that UncaTom was going to join us. He was a kind and loving person. May you rest in the Lord UncaTom.

Norma Haynie

January 31, 2026

Loved those guitar playing times at Ellendale Baptist & feeding-our-faces times at Mexican restaurant in DesArc. See you again when I get there.

Curtis Patrick

January 31, 2026

Thomas and I were best pals back in the '70's in Ellendale, TN. He started playing the guitar and I started playing the banjo. We had a fine bluegrass gig going for a few years. Thomas was a good friend to me and if we weren't making music, we were skateboarding. We often talked about and dreamed of getting a Chevy van and going to California to surf the waves. R.I.P. old faithful pal!

Lisa Scott

January 30, 2026

What a great friend He will be deeply missed No one could catch a Frisbee quite like uncle Tom and a game of horse shoes will never be the same peace and love my friend rip

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results