Jeffery C. Barnes

Jeffery Caldwell Barnes was born on March 6, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He departed this life on September 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, hard work, family, and a genuine appreciation for the simple things that brought people together.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Cheatam; his father, Louis Caldwell; his sisters, Mildred Tardy and Velma Muse; his brother, Ronald Barnes; his son, Desmond Barnes; and his sister-in-law, Kristy Poole.

Jeff attended Manual High School in Indianapolis and later answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps, where he served two years on active duty. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his professional life.

Jeff dedicated 38 years of service to the Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring in July 2026. His career was especially meaningful because it gave him the opportunity to serve fellow veterans after having proudly served his country himself. Jeff also worked at Community Hospital, retiring from there in 2012.

In 2007, Jeff met Kimberly, and together they began a journey that grew into a loving partnership. They married in 2014 and shared 12 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, love, laughter, and treasured memories.

Family meant so much to Jeff. He especially enjoyed the times when everyone could come together, and more often than not, those gatherings included Jeff standing over the grill. He proudly referred to himself as the “Pit Master,” a title he was always happy to claim.

Jeff also had a deep love for music, particularly jazz, and he enjoyed expressing his own musical talents by playing the drums. Music was one of the many things that brought him joy. Jeff also had a special appreciation for Cadillac cars, admiring the style and character that made them unmistakably Cadillac. Whether playing the drums, listening to his favorite jazz, appreciating a beautiful Cadillac, or settling in on a Sunday to watch his beloved Indianapolis Colts, Jeff knew how to enjoy the things that made life special.

Above all, Jeff’s greatest legacy is the family he loved and the many lives he touched throughout his years.

Jeff leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 12 years, Kimberly Barnes; his sons, Jeffery Barnes, William Barnes, JaQuan Stewart, and Kamron Stewart; his daughter, Ebony Barnes; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his siblings on his father’s side, Diane Pride, Teresa Truss, Rochelle Martin, Louis Caldwell, and Shirley McMillion; his in-laws, Margarett and Keith McKinney; his brother-in-law, Keith McKinney Jr.; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, coworkers, and loved ones.

His work is finished, but his legacy of service, love, and devotion to family will live on through the generations who follow him.