05/04/2024
Trooper Down
Charles R. Barnes was born in Charles County, Maryland on April 16, 1948, the son of Evelyn Proctor and Paul Diggs, who both preceded him in death. Similarly to Charles’ quiet disposition, he peacefully departed this life on April 4, 2024 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Charles received his early education in the Charles County, Maryland School System, where his class was first to integrate and graduate at LaPlata High School. He furthered his education at Prince George’s County Community College taking various courses such as
communications, economics, writing, and law. Education was important to him, so he encouraged and supported those members of the family who desired higher education.
Having been raised a Catholic from childhood, he continued faithfully throughout his life attending Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and from time to time worshiping at Harvest United Ministries in Clinton, Maryland.
From a child, Charles’ music was dear to his heart. He began to play the trumpet in the third grade under the guidance of Clarence Rogers and advanced on to high school, playing under the tutelage of Mr. Braithway. He played the valved trombone in various bands: The Starliters; Flamingoes; Midnighters; Brothers Seven and Rise Band. In keeping with Charles’ business savvy, he envisioned creating a band focused on corporate events delivering high quality music with a professional gold standard. The C. Barnes Project was founded in the early 2000’s working with local and national corporate agencies while also the official backup band for Gene “The Duke of Earl” Chandler. Charles and Gene became very good friends.
Having served courageously and honorably in the United State Army from June 1967 to August 1970, Charles took his basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and his advanced individual training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. During this time he specialized in armor tanks and armored personnel vehicles. In December 1967, Charles was ordered to serve his country in the Vietnam War during the Tet Offensive described as one of the bloodiest military campaigns in the War. After his tour of service in Vietnam, he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas until completion of his active military service on August 21, 1970.
Charles proudly served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, known as Blackhorse, under the command of George S. Patton, III. Because of his outstanding dedication and service, Charles was awarded various medals and badges, which included the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB).
Because of Charles’ work ethic, he spent over twenty years in the District of Columbia Government working in various agencies, including the Department of Corrections; Department of Human Services, where he completed his work career in the Office of Investigation & Compliance; and the Bureau of Management Systems as a welfare fraud investigator. It was during this time within the District of Columbia Government that Charles met and married Alice Barnes who preceded him in death in 2005.
The Lord saw fit for Charles to love again, and he placed the gracious Jamai Fontaine in his life, and they were married on June 1, 2010. They enjoyed hosting events at their particularly summer cookouts and holiday family gatherings. Charles' love of his family was always the center of his focus, particularly taking care of his elders. That love was evident in the Barnes household, as Jamai and Charles enjoyed the pleasure of having William H. Peaco, father-in-law, reside with them until his death at age 91. He also shared a lifelong special bond with his Aunt Marion Barbour.
Retirement did not mean slowing down for Charles Barnes; instead, he boldly moved forward in advocating for disabled military veterans of all branches. This was not a job for him; however, it was a passion-based mission to assist fellow servicemen in securing the assistance they needed and deserved. He maintained an unwavering commitment to guiding these individuals through lengthy medical and legal processes with gentle care and thoroughness until all benefits needed were secured.
In keeping with an active and healthy lifestyle, Charles found enjoyment in his daily grocery store visits. It was important that he shared with his family and friends the importance of healthy living, no matter the age. In all his various personal and business endeavors while retired, Kenneth Ford (Celestina A. Ford), a close friend, was there with a smile and ready to take Charles wherever the mission called!
Charles leaves to mourn his memory beloved wife Jamai Fontaine Barnes; mother-in-law Emmerline Peaco; aunt Marion Barbour; brothers George R. Savoy (Gloria Savoy), Bernard R. Savoy (Cynthia A. Savoy), and Francis R. Savoy (Jane M. Savoy); children Cekeithia A. Barnes, Charles N. Barnes, Randolph G. Barnes, Samantha T. Barnes, and Keynesha S. Wilson (Bobby Wilson); grandchildren Charles N. Barnes Jr., Nijah Barnes, Randolph G. Barnes II, Shawntae Barnes, Keith Butler, Madison A. Smith, and Chadwick Wilson; great- grandchildren Zac’Shawn D. Barnes and Zy’aire Barnes; brother-in law William M. Peaco; sister-in-law Sandra Green; special family friend Rita King; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Services are May 3, 2024, as indicated below.
