Dick BarnesRemembering

By Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87)

In 1989, while I was serving as Number I, I had the opportunity to represent my chapter at the 63rd Convention at the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. At that Convention I first had the opportunity to meet many of the Order’s current and future leaders. It was there that I also met then-Executive Director Richard A. “Dick” Barnes. While my life and career would intersect with all these men and others, Dick became my first “boss” in the Order.

Dick ultimately hired me twice, first as an Educational and Leadership Consultant, in 1990. Later, he offered me the position of Assistant Executive Director. After struggling with the offer, I ultimately turned it down to pursue law school. I thought that was my last chance to work for KA.

As I was completing law school, Dick called again and offered me the chance to serve as the Assistant Executive Director. I packed up and headed back to Lexington. I started my second job at KA, reporting to Dick, on July 1, 1995. These events were the genesis of my career with KA, for which I am very grateful.

The Convention later that year was tumultuous with five members of the Executive Council not re-elected, and others elected who would become Knight Commander. At that same Convention, Dick was recognized for 25 years of service on staff including ten years as Executive Director. In October 1995, perhaps realizing that it was a good time for a changing of the guard, Dick told then-Knight Commander Thomas Paulson he would retire effective in November. I was among the first five KA’s Dick told, and I recall that conversation while standing at a pay phone at baggage claim at Love Field in Dallas. Dick was happy for me when I was named as his successor. I visited him and spoke with him by phone as often as time permitted. He asked how the Order was doing, about new chapters, and recruitment. He was always interested in the Order’s continuing success.

Dick devoted his career to KA. He would tell you himself that he wasn’t perfect, and in this role, you are required to make decisions that can make others unhappy or even angry. He set an example for professionalism in the office, and he exhibited a strong work ethic. He made a significant and positive impact on the Order—23,491 men were initiated during his tenure as Executive Director, and 18 new chapters were chartered. After he retired, he was always available to me for advice and KA history discussions as needed. I was still asking about an issue as recently as March.

Any time one of his old KA friends visited Lexington, I helped arrange visits with him and tagged along. When Dick fell ill, he lost the use of his legs and was confined to a wheelchair or bed. Yet, many of his friends never even knew that. Whenever he received a call, he was as usual, always upbeat, positive and optimistic. While ill, he still “visited” chapters, virtually. He may be the only person to visit each of the Order’s chapter websites.

Dick was dedicated to his family and friends and collected many of the latter over the years. Alumni on almost every visit I make still ask me about Dick, including a current member of Congress. Rep. Steve Womack, the chartering Number I of Epsilon Zeta Chapter, recently shared with me, “Dick Barnes wasn’t just a KA brother. He was KA to most of us at the Epsilon Zeta Chapter. His passion for the Order and patience with a new chapter at Arkansas Tech University was remarkable. His steady mentorship made the difference. No one better understood the life-changing opportunities Kappa Alpha Order would have on its members. We are grateful for his leadership and example and sad with his passing.”

On a personal level, Dick was always kind, positive, warm and funny. To the end, he was proud of KA and proud that it was holding to its values in this challenging world. He was a brother faithful unto death. Most importantly, to me, he was a mentor and friend. He will be missed.