Thelma Barnes

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Thelma Lois Barnes, 88, of rural Mt. Vernon, MO, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO, following a sudden illness.

Thelma was born on April 26, 1937 in Leesville, LA, daughter of the late Henry and Edna (Farmer) LaCombe.

Thelma graduated with honors from Anacoco High School in Anacoco, LA. Thelma met her husband Loren while he was stationed in Louisiana and they married on November 3, 1962. To this union, they were blessed with four children and over fifty-five years together of wonderful memories.

Thelma worked for over thirty years at Schreiber’s in Monett. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was active with the Braille Workers. She also was active with her husband in the Friestatt Lion’s Club and the American Legion dinners.

She enjoyed eating out, her social outings at the casino, going to breakfast with her breakfast club girls, and she was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s Fan. The light of her life however was brought by spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her sons, Mark Barnes and wife Virginia, of Ava, MO and Keith Barnes, of Joplin; her daughters, Renee Moennig and husband Roger, of Pierce City and Sheila Caddell and husband Michael, of Pierce City, MO; one sister, Sudie Howze and husband Bob, of West Monroe, LA; eleven grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by a host of extended family and friends.







Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Loren; her parents, Henry and Edna LaCombe; and one sister, Margie Doyle. She was also preceded by her grandmother, who raised her from a young age, Pearl Farmer.

Visitation will be held at Buchanan Funeral Home in Monett, MO, on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 5-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt on Saturday, May 10th with Reverend Jake Sletten officiating. Friends may begin to greet the family at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Freistatt Lion’s Club or the Trinity Lutheran School. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.