Aaron Colin Barnes

Aaron Colin Barnes was born on May 1, 1976, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On June 4, 2024, Aaron passed away due to heart complications in Oklahoma City. He was blessed to have bonus mothers in his life, grandmother Mary Lou Barnes and stepmother Allie Jensen. Aaron was very close with his grandmother, “Bommie,” who raised him like her own son and loved him fiercely and deeply. His grandfather, Bill Barnes I, had a strong impact on Aaron’s beliefs about work ethic and his own aspirations for achieving those expectations for himself, daily. Allie supported Aaron’s artistic endeavors and contributed to his sense of style. As he would say, she taught him about colors and how to match.

 Aaron is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary Lou and Bill Barnes; stepmother Allie Jensen; father, Bill Barnes II; cousin, Marianna Barnes, and golden retriever, Clapton. Aaron is survived by his siblings, Cassidy Barnes, Max Jensen, and Olivia Bettinger; nephew, Guthrie Jensen; stepdads, Marty Jensen and Michael Christopher; cousins, Megan Barnes and Allison Barnes; Allison’s daughters Ivory Danuser and Kaia Danuser; uncle, Robert Barnes and his wife, Cara Barnes; aunt, Susan Barnes and her partner Fred Hill, uncle, John Barnes and his wife Jane Barnes.

Aaron embodied strength, determination, and grit, yet traveled through this world paradoxically with an innocent kindness and genuine care for others that was felt by anyone who had the opportunity to know him. He was quick-witted with a unique charm. There was something about his dry sarcastic sense of humor - smartly specific to his audience - he just loved making people laugh. Truly. Especially if somebody he cared about was down in the dumps. He knew just the right timing of when to say something completely unexpected in the moment that made you surprisingly laugh and come out of the dark a bit. He would counter with, “but see now you’re smiling.” Aaron understood mental health and the importance of supporting and being supported by his friends. 

Aaron pursued a career as a landman that spanned nearly his entire adulthood, eventually becoming a project manager. Even during times without work, as the oil business ebbs and flows, Aaron was determined to provide for himself and those he loved. He also had a love for home improvement and recently worked as a contractor. Aaron enjoyed classic rock music; playing saxophone, guitar, and piano; and the times he had the chance to spend with loved ones and friends, creating meaningful moments that became fond memories. 

Aaron was always a force to be reckoned with, at any age - strong-willed, stubborn, keen sense of right and wrong, and he was not afraid to stand up for his values. Somehow, encapsulated in the same intense vessel was also this kind, caring, empathetic, tender-hearted man who loved animals and would check on his friends if he saw someone who reminded him of them. Aaron cared considerably for Clapton, his golden retriever. He even begrudgingly accepted the love of cats due to a dear friend hoarding them. 

Aaron was a Christian and never afraid to discuss and stand on his beliefs. His “Jesus Forgives” back tattoo embodied the importance of Jesus Christ’s salvation for all and what that meant to Aaron. He spoke often with his dear friend, Breezy, about how amazing they found the love that was given to them from God even though “we were all terrible.”

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

In this time of deep mourning and loss, there is hope in the awesomeness it was to know Aaron, the moments and memories he gave us, and knowing he will live on in our hearts through our sharing of memories and stories. Please take comfort in knowing he is in paradise with his loved ones for eternity, making up for the short time we are given here on Earth. Until we meet again.