Our staff's commitment to you

Our staff is committed to providing support, compassion, information, and direction as needed to all members of our community, their families, and friends who are dealing with loss and grief.

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Robert C. Barnes Ohio Licensed Funeral Director

Eaton High School 1959 graduate; attended Wilmington College; Graduated Cum Laude from Cincinnati College of Embalming - 1962; Alpha Chapter - Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity; Charter Member of Eaton Emergency Squad and first  Squad Chief 1972-1976; Member and Past President 1987 Eaton Area Chamber of Commerce; Life Member and Past President & Past Secretary of Eaton Lions Club; Lions International Distinguished Service Award - Eaton Lions Club 1989; Melvin Jones Fellow - Lions International; National Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Funeral Directors Association; Member - Past President - Past Treasurer - 4th District Ohio Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Embalmers Association; Concord United Church of Christ; Charter Member Preble County Y.M.C.A.; Preble County Jury Commissioner; Member and Past Treasurer - Eaton Foundation; Member Human Rights Committee at Foundations and Preble County Historical Society.

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Bruce L. Barnes Ohio Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer - Indiana Licensed Funeral Director blbarnes@barnesfuneralhome.com

1966 Eaton High School graduate; Served in the United States Army, Sergeant receiving the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service while in Vietnam during 1968 to 1969; Graduate of Miami-Jacobs College Associate Degree in Business Administration and Higher Accounting; Attended Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio for Pre-Mortuary Science Education; 1974 Graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science; InSight Institute Certified Professional Funeral Celebrant.

Memberships & Associations: Eaton Community Church; Eaton Rotary Club - Past President 1979-1980, 39 years Treasurer 1980 to 2019, Paul Harris Fellow and  Rotarian of The Year 2001 & 2017; Past member of the Preble County Commissioner of Board of Veteran's Services for 35 years; Life Member Preble County Memorial V.F.W. Post 8066, St. Clair Post 215 American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America; Ohio Embalmers Association & Ohio & National Funeral Directors Association and Kentucky Colonel.

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Brian R. Barnes Ohio Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer - Monument Specialist brbarnes@barnesfuneralhome.com

Brian is a 1983 graduate of Eaton High School; Attended Wilmington College; Gamma Phi Gamma Fraternity; 2004 Fall Graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science; Bachelor Degree in Applied Science in Mortuary Science; National Board Examination; Registered with the International Conference of Funeral Service; Ohio Embalmers Association; Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education; Member Eaton Chamber of Commerce; Lewisburg Chamber of Commerce; New Paris Chamber of Commerce; Monument Builders of Ohio; Monument Builders of North America; Eaton Lions Club Assistant Secretary & Secretary; Received the Governor's Achievement Award for Outstanding Lions Secretary District 13-H; Past President 1998 - 1999; Lions International Melvin Jones Fellow & Life Member; Distinguished Service Award; Leo Club Advisor; Zone Chairman District 13-H; District Membership Chairman District 13-H; District Newsletter Editor and Judge 1997-1998; State Band Chairman District 13-H; International Convention Committee & Delegate; Board of Directors Ohio Lions Pin Traders; Life Member of the Buckeye Big Buck Club and Preble County Ducks Unlimited Committee 1994 - 1997. Brian and Erin are the proud parents Matthew (Jennifer) Barnes and Christina (Jacob) Duffy and two grandsons, Reed, Jameson and Declan.

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Michael H. Barnes Ohio Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer mhbarnes@barnesfuneralhome.com

Michael is a 1993 Eaton High School graduate and a Spring 2004 Graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science with a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science in Mortuary Science.  Michael also has his Masters certificate in Funeral Service through the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.  Accreditation from the National Board Examination for Funeral Directors and Embalmers.  Registered with the International Conference of Funeral Service, Ohio Embalmers Association and the Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education and InSight Institute Certified Professional Funeral Celebrant.

Member Eaton Chamber of Commerce, Lewisburg Chamber of Commerce and New Paris Chamber of Commerce.  Michael is the son of Bruce L. & Rayna E. Barnes.  Michael and his wife, Stephanie (Hoff) Barnes and their two children, Sawyer and Brooklyn Barnes live in Lewisburg, Ohio.  Michael has lived most of his life in Preble County either above a funeral home or next door to a funeral home which includes all three locations of Barnes Funeral Homes in Eaton, Lewisburg and New Paris.  Member of Cornerstone Grace Church in Eaton, Ohio where Michael and Stephanie currently serve the LORD in various church functions and ministries.

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Erin M. Barnes Ohio Licensed Funeral Director embarnes@barnesfuneralhome.com

Erin, a native of California has proudly called Preble County her home since 1979. She is a 1984 graduate of Eaton High School and a 1986 graduate of Miami University in Oxford where she received her Associate of Arts degree with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Shortly after her marriage to Brian R. Barnes in May of 1986 Erin began her Funeral Directors apprenticeship under the direction of her father-in-law Robert C. Barnes and received her Funeral Directors licence in October of 1988. In addition to her duties with the funeral home, Erin has served as a precinct judge for the Preble County Board of Elections and has volunteered her time with various organizations at Tri County North Schools. Erin is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the Ohio Embalmers Association. Since their marriage in 1986 Erin and Brian have called Lewisburg their home and are the proud parents of Matthew (Jennifer) Barnes and Christina (Jacob) Duffy and grandsons, Reed, Jameson and Declan.

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Sharon J. Barnes Retired Ohio Licensed Funeral Director

Dixon-Israel High School 1958 graduate; Bachelor of Music Degree - Oberlin College Conservatory of Music - 1962; Graduate Studies - Miami University; First woman in Preble County to obtain Ohio Funeral Director’s License - 1970; Retired Music Teacher - Eaton City Schools - 1995; Member of National Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Funeral Directors Association; 4th District Ohio Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Embalmers Association; Life Member Ohio retired Teachers Association; Life Member Preble County Retired Teachers Association; Music Educators National Conference; Ohio Music Educators Conference; Ohio Music Educators Association Quarter Century Award; Eaton Community Chorus; Charter Member Preble County Y.M.C.A.; Concord United Church of Christ; Eaton Area Chamber of Commerce;  Omicron Sigma Sorority; Alpha Garden Club; Preble County College Club; Preble County Historical Society and Past Presiding Judge Preble County Board of Elections.

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Carolyn "Jill" Vaniman Retired Ohio Licensed Funeral Director

Carolyn "Jill" Vaniman, who is a licensed funeral Director has been active in many activities in Eldorado and Monroe Township.

 

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Rayna E. Barnes Support Staff Member

Rayna is the wife of Bruce Barnes. She graduated from Denver East High School in Denver Colorado. She has been an active member of the Eaton Community Church and assists in office duties for Barnes Funeral Homes. She is very active in gardening.

 

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Stephanie K. Barnes Support Staff Member

Stephani is a graduate of Franklin High School; Honorary graduate of Gawler High School in South Australia; Graduate of Miami University with a bachelors degree in Political Science and a minor in Aerospace Studies; Lambda Chapter of Kappa Phi Sorority; active member at Grace Cornerstone Church in Eaton, Ohio.  Wife of Michael Barnes.

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Jeff Manley Support Staff Member

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Dave Kirsch Support Staff Member

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George Glaze Support Staff Member

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Robert A. Somers Support Staff Member

Bob is a retired Preble County school teacher. He is an avid sports fan of The Ohio State University and loves to fish. Bob and his wife Jane attend Concord United Church of Christ.

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Rev. James C. Sizelove Support Staff Member

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John S. Redick Support Staff Member

John has been a resident of the Eaton area for many years and currently lives in Lakengren. He is a U.S. Navy Veteran and retired from General Motors after 32 years with the Research & Development. Member of Eaton Church of The Brethren and enjoys fishing, playing golf and camping. He is married to Joella A. (Guckian) Redick and they have two children and five grandchildren, 

 

 

 

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Jim McWhinney Support Staff Member

Jim was born and reared on a farm in Jackson Township. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1963, Wilmington College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the field of Education majoring in Social Studies in 1968 and his Masters of Education Degree from Miami University in 1972. He was employed by the Richmond Community Schools from 1968 to 2005, teaching Social Studies at Test Middle School in Richmond retiring in 2005. Currently he is a substitute teacher in Preble County Schools. In 1967 he married his wife Karen Keller and they have three children. Member of Prices Creek Church of the Brethren for 35 years, Jim has served as Church Board Chairman for the last three years. He is a past member of the National Trail School Board and was the President twice. Member of Preble County Farm Bureau Council, serving on several committees for Farm Credit Services in Eaton. He is a member of the Jackson High School Alumni Association and has held several officer positions including President.

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Roger Blankenship In Loving Memory

1934 - 2021

 

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Vaughn Oburn In Loving Memory

1949 - 2018

 

Robert C. Barnes

Ohio Licensed Funeral Director
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Eaton High School 1959 graduate; attended Wilmington College; Graduated Cum Laude from Cincinnati College of Embalming - 1962; Alpha Chapter - Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity; Charter Member of Eaton Emergency Squad and first  Squad Chief 1972-1976; Member and Past President 1987 Eaton Area Chamber of Commerce; Life Member and Past President & Past Secretary of Eaton Lions Club; Lions International Distinguished Service Award - Eaton Lions Club 1989; Melvin Jones Fellow - Lions International; National Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Funeral Directors Association; Member - Past President - Past Treasurer - 4th District Ohio Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Embalmers Association; Concord United Church of Christ; Charter Member Preble County Y.M.C.A.; Preble County Jury Commissioner; Member and Past Treasurer - Eaton Foundation; Member Human Rights Committee at Foundations and Preble County Historical Society.

Bruce L. Barnes

Ohio Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer - Indiana Licensed Funeral Director
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1966 Eaton High School graduate; Served in the United States Army, Sergeant receiving the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service while in Vietnam during 1968 to 1969; Graduate of Miami-Jacobs College Associate Degree in Business Administration and Higher Accounting; Attended Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio for Pre-Mortuary Science Education; 1974 Graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science; InSight Institute Certified Professional Funeral Celebrant.

Memberships & Associations: Eaton Community Church; Eaton Rotary Club - Past President 1979-1980, 39 years Treasurer 1980 to 2019, Paul Harris Fellow and  Rotarian of The Year 2001 & 2017; Past member of the Preble County Commissioner of Board of Veteran's Services for 35 years; Life Member Preble County Memorial V.F.W. Post 8066, St. Clair Post 215 American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America; Ohio Embalmers Association & Ohio & National Funeral Directors Association and Kentucky Colonel.

Brian R. Barnes

Ohio Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer - Monument Specialist
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Brian is a 1983 graduate of Eaton High School; Attended Wilmington College; Gamma Phi Gamma Fraternity; 2004 Fall Graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science; Bachelor Degree in Applied Science in Mortuary Science; National Board Examination; Registered with the International Conference of Funeral Service; Ohio Embalmers Association; Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education; Member Eaton Chamber of Commerce; Lewisburg Chamber of Commerce; New Paris Chamber of Commerce; Monument Builders of Ohio; Monument Builders of North America; Eaton Lions Club Assistant Secretary & Secretary; Received the Governor's Achievement Award for Outstanding Lions Secretary District 13-H; Past President 1998 - 1999; Lions International Melvin Jones Fellow & Life Member; Distinguished Service Award; Leo Club Advisor; Zone Chairman District 13-H; District Membership Chairman District 13-H; District Newsletter Editor and Judge 1997-1998; State Band Chairman District 13-H; International Convention Committee & Delegate; Board of Directors Ohio Lions Pin Traders; Life Member of the Buckeye Big Buck Club and Preble County Ducks Unlimited Committee 1994 - 1997. Brian and Erin are the proud parents Matthew (Jennifer) Barnes and Christina (Jacob) Duffy and two grandsons, Reed, Jameson and Declan.

Michael H. Barnes

Ohio Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Michael is a 1993 Eaton High School graduate and a Spring 2004 Graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science with a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science in Mortuary Science.  Michael also has his Masters certificate in Funeral Service through the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.  Accreditation from the National Board Examination for Funeral Directors and Embalmers.  Registered with the International Conference of Funeral Service, Ohio Embalmers Association and the Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education and InSight Institute Certified Professional Funeral Celebrant.

Member Eaton Chamber of Commerce, Lewisburg Chamber of Commerce and New Paris Chamber of Commerce.  Michael is the son of Bruce L. & Rayna E. Barnes.  Michael and his wife, Stephanie (Hoff) Barnes and their two children, Sawyer and Brooklyn Barnes live in Lewisburg, Ohio.  Michael has lived most of his life in Preble County either above a funeral home or next door to a funeral home which includes all three locations of Barnes Funeral Homes in Eaton, Lewisburg and New Paris.  Member of Cornerstone Grace Church in Eaton, Ohio where Michael and Stephanie currently serve the LORD in various church functions and ministries.

Erin M. Barnes

Ohio Licensed Funeral Director
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Erin, a native of California has proudly called Preble County her home since 1979. She is a 1984 graduate of Eaton High School and a 1986 graduate of Miami University in Oxford where she received her Associate of Arts degree with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Shortly after her marriage to Brian R. Barnes in May of 1986 Erin began her Funeral Directors apprenticeship under the direction of her father-in-law Robert C. Barnes and received her Funeral Directors licence in October of 1988. In addition to her duties with the funeral home, Erin has served as a precinct judge for the Preble County Board of Elections and has volunteered her time with various organizations at Tri County North Schools. Erin is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the Ohio Embalmers Association. Since their marriage in 1986 Erin and Brian have called Lewisburg their home and are the proud parents of Matthew (Jennifer) Barnes and Christina (Jacob) Duffy and grandsons, Reed, Jameson and Declan.

Sharon J. Barnes

Retired Ohio Licensed Funeral Director
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Dixon-Israel High School 1958 graduate; Bachelor of Music Degree - Oberlin College Conservatory of Music - 1962; Graduate Studies - Miami University; First woman in Preble County to obtain Ohio Funeral Director’s License - 1970; Retired Music Teacher - Eaton City Schools - 1995; Member of National Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Funeral Directors Association; 4th District Ohio Funeral Directors Association; Ohio Embalmers Association; Life Member Ohio retired Teachers Association; Life Member Preble County Retired Teachers Association; Music Educators National Conference; Ohio Music Educators Conference; Ohio Music Educators Association Quarter Century Award; Eaton Community Chorus; Charter Member Preble County Y.M.C.A.; Concord United Church of Christ; Eaton Area Chamber of Commerce;  Omicron Sigma Sorority; Alpha Garden Club; Preble County College Club; Preble County Historical Society and Past Presiding Judge Preble County Board of Elections.

Carolyn "Jill" Vaniman

Retired Ohio Licensed Funeral Director
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Carolyn "Jill" Vaniman, who is a licensed funeral Director has been active in many activities in Eldorado and Monroe Township.

 

Rayna E. Barnes

Support Staff Member
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Rayna is the wife of Bruce Barnes. She graduated from Denver East High School in Denver Colorado. She has been an active member of the Eaton Community Church and assists in office duties for Barnes Funeral Homes. She is very active in gardening.

 

Stephanie K. Barnes

Support Staff Member
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Stephani is a graduate of Franklin High School; Honorary graduate of Gawler High School in South Australia; Graduate of Miami University with a bachelors degree in Political Science and a minor in Aerospace Studies; Lambda Chapter of Kappa Phi Sorority; active member at Grace Cornerstone Church in Eaton, Ohio.  Wife of Michael Barnes.

Jeff Manley

Support Staff Member
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Dave Kirsch

Support Staff Member
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George Glaze

Support Staff Member
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Robert A. Somers

Support Staff Member
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Bob is a retired Preble County school teacher. He is an avid sports fan of The Ohio State University and loves to fish. Bob and his wife Jane attend Concord United Church of Christ.

Rev. James C. Sizelove

Support Staff Member
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John S. Redick

Support Staff Member
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John has been a resident of the Eaton area for many years and currently lives in Lakengren. He is a U.S. Navy Veteran and retired from General Motors after 32 years with the Research & Development. Member of Eaton Church of The Brethren and enjoys fishing, playing golf and camping. He is married to Joella A. (Guckian) Redick and they have two children and five grandchildren, 

 

 

 

Jim McWhinney

Support Staff Member
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Jim was born and reared on a farm in Jackson Township. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1963, Wilmington College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the field of Education majoring in Social Studies in 1968 and his Masters of Education Degree from Miami University in 1972. He was employed by the Richmond Community Schools from 1968 to 2005, teaching Social Studies at Test Middle School in Richmond retiring in 2005. Currently he is a substitute teacher in Preble County Schools. In 1967 he married his wife Karen Keller and they have three children. Member of Prices Creek Church of the Brethren for 35 years, Jim has served as Church Board Chairman for the last three years. He is a past member of the National Trail School Board and was the President twice. Member of Preble County Farm Bureau Council, serving on several committees for Farm Credit Services in Eaton. He is a member of the Jackson High School Alumni Association and has held several officer positions including President.

Roger Blankenship

In Loving Memory
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1934 - 2021

 

Vaughn Oburn

In Loving Memory
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1949 - 2018