Dale Barnes, a longtime Alabama Baptist pastor and distinguished Vietnam War veteran, died Jan. 7. He was 76.
A native of Maine, Barnes enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 17 and was deployed to Vietnam after training. He served as a rifleman and radio operator as a member of the 2nd battalion 4th Marines, Hotel Company, 3rd Marine Division.
Barnes was severely wounded as a result of mortar fire and spent the next 22 months in hospitals undergoing dozens of surgeries and recovering from his injuries. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1969 and was awarded the following medals and awards — Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Rifle Marksman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal.
After his distinguished military service, Barnes earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, and a master’s degree in religious education from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts.
Over the next 46 years, he served as pastor of six churches, including four in Alabama — Calvary Baptist in Prattville; Beulah Baptist in Wetumpka; Rock Springs Baptist in Tallassee; and Titus Baptist.
Barnes was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Jan. He is survived by his son, Bob; daughter, Christine; and three grandchildren.
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