To Duke With Love
“Look in to my eyes. Tell me what you see,” were the first words I ever heard you sing at my first P.U.S.H. meeting. Right away, my heart was captured by that voice, that smile and those eyes. Meant to be words spoken from God, but I felt that they were from God through you to me to be my sweetheart, my destiny. Shortly thereafter we became ‘Duke and Deborah, the Dutchess’, singing, sharing and traveling around. Just you and I at first, and then, almost everywhere with our children. You were so mature, dependable, a faithful worker and dedicated to family and community. Too many words unspoken, but we knew that God, our love for each other, and for our children held us together. You were strong, but gentle, quiet, but loved to loudly sing, laugh, play music and the piano. Our perfect God showed us that forgiveness works in our imperfection. I miss you deeply. How your children miss you so. As suddenly as you left us, our prayer and hope is that one day, suddenly, when Jesus returns, we will be with Him and with you again. ‘I see a Vision of you’.
~ Your wife,
Deborah ~
REMEMBERING
Calvin Barnes, Sr. was born July 6, 1953, to the late Bessie Lee Johnson Barnes and Johnnie Lee Barnes, Sr. His mother affectionately called him “Dute” and his father referred to him as “Duke”, which is the name that this music legend was known by affectionately throughout his life and career as a minstrel of music. Calvin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of April 5, 2019. Duke attended Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln Junior High School. He graduated from Southside High School in 1971, where he was known as a track star. He won first place medals in the high hurdle competition while pursuing music and earning excellent grades for his academic studies.
Duke was God’s Servant.
He professed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a child, and united with the Pentecostal Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Johnson. It was obvious that he had a sincere passion for music, which he used to the glory of God!
Duke was a family man.
He was wed to Judy Moody as a young adult. To this union, one son, Reginald Moody, was born. On January 5, 1980, married Deborah Gleese Barnes. To this union, was born three sons and one daughter, He loved his family and it is of no surprise that his passion for musical excellence runs through his bloodline. His wife and all of his children are active singers and musicians, which led to the production of a Barnes Family Tree album in 2014, and future music that is set to be released soon.
Duke was God’s Minstrel.
During his late teens, he joined the historic Monumental Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Billy Kyles, where he sang in the youth choir. On Saturday mornings, he sang with the P.U.S.H. choir and ensemble, and was a powerful song leader with a vocal ability that came second to none. Throughout his career, Duke sang with such notable musical icons as the Soul Explosion, Murphy and Company, Divine Providence Community Choir, the W. R. Jimerson Singers, Ralph Lofton and Company, Jessy Dixon, Charlie Rich, and a host of others. As a musician, he used his impeccable gift to bless people along with New Covenant SDA Church, Word of Life SDA Church, Overton Park SDA Church, New Life SDA Church (Marion, Arkansas), Pentecostal Baptist Church, New Liberty Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Bartlett, Monument of Faith Church, Geeter Park Baptist Church, and Christian United Baptist Church. In 1985, he and his wife, Deborah, released an anointed recording of the hymn “God Will Take Care of You” (arranged by Duke and Deborah Barnes with Robert Clayborne and Executive Producer George Edwards). Together, Duke and Deborah Barnes traveled the world singing this song which has blessed thousands and continues to be a song of comfort and hope to this day!
Duke was a hard worker.
Throughout his life, Duke was employed with the Great Dane Company, Federal Express, and Bluff City Electronics. At times, he was afforded the opportunity to bless his employers with his incredible gift for music by serving as a musician and/or sound engineer for special functions – including weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. As an employee, he gave his all to whatever he put his hands to. He was a faithful and excellent worker who loved to sing out loud. The one thing that many will remember about him is his smile and his ability to make people laugh! Duke loved making others happy, which he did whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Duke leaves a loving legacy.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, two sisters: Charlye Anne Wooten Wright and Evelyn Eunice Tribble Davis; and one brother, Leon “Pop” Barnes, Sr. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife, Deborah Gleese Barnes, four sons: Reginald Moody, Calvin James Barnes II, Christopher Leon Barnes, and Courtney Alexander Barnes (Alieetra); two daughters, Carla Marie Anderson (Lloyd) and Jayla Marshay Nash; three brothers: Johnny Lee Barnes (Gracie), Freddie Barnes, and Lawrence Barnes; two sisters: Darlene Barnes and Annette Barnes Valentine (Donald); twelve grandchildren who loved him dearly; and a host of other relatives, musical colleagues, and dear friends who will cherish his loving legacy forever.
Celebration of Life Musical Prelude
Processional. . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Calvin “Duke” Barnes, Sr. Old Testament Scripture. . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Victor Washington Christian United Baptist Church New Testament Scripture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Gerard Johnson New Life SDA Church Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Fred Montgomery Overton Park SDA Church Celebration in Song. . . . . .The Calvin “Duke” Barnes Mass Choir
Remembering Duke…
As a Classmate – Mrs. Trudy Cohran-Hunter As a Co-Worker – Ms. Janice Wesley, Bluff City Electronics As a Friend – Pastor Jeffery Cohran Musical Selection. . . . . . . .The Calvin “Duke” Barnes Mass Choir
Reflections from His Musical Colleagues Professor Robert Clayborne Psalmist Gayle Jones Murphy
Musical Salute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Murphy and Company Video Salutes from Elder Isaac Lester & Pastor Eugene Gibson Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Kenneth Bohanna Monument of Faith Church SPECIAL VIDEO PRESENTATION Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ms. Donna Owens Tribute from the Children of Calvin “Duke” Barnes The Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Bartholomew Orr Brown Missionary Baptist Church Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Calvin “Duke” Barnes
Family Tributes “Words can’t express the love, admiration, and respect that I will always hold for you. The lessons that you taught by example will be engraved in my heart and mind forever. I’m especially grateful for the closeness and relationship that we built over the last three years. In that time, we really came to know one another as friends and confidants. You were dependable to a fault! I had to shake my head and smile sometimes at your “takeover spirit.“ When we parted or ended a conversation, you never missed an opportunity to say “ I love you.” You were the very epitome of all that I desire to be - not perfect, but daily striving for improvement. Your work ethic and provision for your family were exemplary! You were a man of actions rather than empty words and I thank God for every moment he allowed me to have you, know you, and learn from you...” ~ Christopher Leon Barnes ~
“I’ll miss you more than words can say. I’ll truly miss you every day. Although many miles away you took the time to call and say, “Bones, I love you today.” The virtual hugs you always sent; you’ll never know how much they meant. The conversations we held will always hold dear to me until we meet again in eternity. I love you, Duke.” ~Your Sister, Darlene aka “Bones”~
“I’m hopeful that in time I’ll know why we had to be apart the morning our God beckoned to you, nearer to His heart. My SuperDad! I just knew and was so very sure that I’d have you for many years to come. Your soul said “Yes!” to finding rest... I’m at peace and pray that with God will be your new home.” ~ Carla Marie Barnes – Anderson ~
“Dad, you were a man like no other. You gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, shouted at me, kissed me, but most importantly…you loved me unconditionally. Even though I can’t see you now, I can remember you, your smile, your laugh, your advice, and your kindness. So I don’t think of you as “gone away”. Your journey has just begun. There are so many reasons why we will love you until we meet in Heaven once again.” ~Courtney Alexander Barnes ~
“One thing I’ve always admired about you is your ability to allow your actions to speak for you. In true fashion you moved on without saying a word. Every lesson spoken and unspoken will stay with me always. You were and forever will be my hero. Not because you were perfect, but because you showed me how to live through the imperfections. I love you, Dad.” ~ Calvin James Barnes II aka “Lil Duke, Jr.” ~
Acknowledgment
Duke’s charming ways and his smiling face are a pleasure to recall; He had a kind word for everyone, and died beloved by all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loved ones both far and near who have shared in his amazing legacy and comforted us in our time of grief. May god bless you for your thoughtfulness! ~ The Family of Calvin “Duke” Barnes ~
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Active Pallbearers
Mr. Leon Barnes, Jr.
Mr. Fredrick Edwards
Mr. Wendell Weathers
Mr. DeShon Brown
Mr. Dimitri Faulkner
Mr. Gerde Jones
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Honorary Pallbearers
Members of Murphy and Company Members of the P.U.S.H. Ensemble Members of the Memphis Music Community
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The Interment
New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Road s Memphis, TN 38109
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Arrangements Entrusted To