Kirk Martin "KI" Barnes

Kirk Martin Barnes, affectionately called KI was born to the late Roy and Inez Barnes, Sr. on November 2, 1950 and transitioned from this earthly life on April 3, 2024. KI was educated in the New Orleans Public School System where he graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970, a proud Cougar! He continued his studies at the University of New Orleans before entering into the U.S. Airforce and then into the U.S. Navy where he proudly served as an Aviation Mechanic. While serving in the Naval Reserved, KI received many commendations, the National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation to mention a few. KI continued working passionately at his craft as a member of the International Brothers of Electrical Workers Local 130 as an electrician. He worked on many major projects throughout the city and afar. One of his great accomplishments was being selected as the General Foreman for the Installation of the Fire Alarm System for the Ernest N. Dutch Morial Convention Center. He thought “Such a Little Man with a Big Task”! Amazingly to this day the System has not failed!! Throughout his career Kirk has received many acknowledgments for Fire Safety! KI’s other passion was his love for motor vehicles both inside and out! He never allowed his wife to ride in anything that was not cleaned and he meant pristine clean!! All of his vehicle engines always looked as tho they were just installed from the factory! KI had a big heart and was always there to help others, in fact, that is how he met his Soul Mate, The Love of his Life, His Bride, while visiting a friend when she encountered a burnt – out fuse. Boy did sparks fly! That spark brought sincere togetherness starting on 5-5-95 and lasting for twenty eight plus years! Together, they enjoyed life in so many amazing ways, as members of the Jazz City Corvette Club where KI serve as President and Treasurer. KI also served as a Judge for car shows for the International Corvette Club in Memphis, TN. KI also won many awards for his cars. Together KI and Cyn enjoyed traveling to different parts of the world with Gin and PJ, riding their bikes together, dining in the park or at restaurants around town or just enjoying time with family and friends. Kirk was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Inez Barnes Sr., siblings Terry and Darryl Barnes, Wanda Barnes Shaw and Meloney Barnes Gilmore. To cherish Kirk “KI” Martin Barnes legacy is his loving, solid rock wife of twenty-eight years, Cynthia; his uncle, Max Barnes; brothers, Roy Jr. (Paula) and Dwayne; brothers-in-law, Bobby Major (Karen), Rudy (Carla), Jack, Mark (Sharon) and Michael Sr. (Lynette); Best friend, Paul Pellerin (Virginia); Godchild, Lisa Gibson and a host of many family and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, priests and parishioners of St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, 2015 Louisiana Avenue on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00 am with Father Tony Rigoli, Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.