Patricia Lee Barnes

Patricia "Pat" Lee (Pickrell) Barnes, 90, of Cordell, Oklahoma, passed away on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Pat lived a rich life, setting examples for all with her zest, determination, faithfulness, and positive outlook. She was always the life of the party on Earth and will be in Heaven as well.

Pat was born on October 6, 1934, at home on the family farm southeast of Tipton, Oklahoma, to Paul A. and Xea Fern (Briscoe) Pickrell. The oldest of three children, she grew up and attended school in Tipton, graduating from Tipton High School in 1952.

On October 19, 1952, she married James H. (Bud) Barnes in Tipton, Oklahoma. The two were childhood sweethearts - yet were also determined to pursue their careers and educational endeavors. At this time, Bud was in the midst of a two-and-a-half-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. After they married, Bud shipped off to Paris, France. Pat stayed in Oklahoma to finish her first semester of college at the University of Oklahoma and then traveled on her own to France to join Bud as a military officer's wife. The couple lived in a chateau in France and were able to travel throughout France and Germany; they always looked back fondly at that time in their lives.

Bud and Pat's 58-year-long marriage was a wonderful partnership, producing 4 boys. Reflecting about raising 4 boys, she often would say: "We just tried to put out the fire that was burning the brightest at the time." All 4 Barnes boys were active in 4-H, each being named a national winner. All 4 graduated with at least one degree from Oklahoma State University.

Education was important to Pat - she attended the University of Oklahoma for 1 semester the fall after high school graduation, Oklahoma State University while Bud was getting his master's degree, and Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1956. Throughout her life, she loved the challenge of working all kinds of puzzles, reading books, and staying informed about both current events and pop culture.

Throughout a 34-year teaching career in Oklahoma, she taught school in the Friends, Mangum, Eakly, and Cordell school districts, retiring from Cordell Public Schools in May of 1996. Pat significantly shaped the lives of thousands of young people, many of whom fondly refer to Mrs. Barnes as their favorite teacher. In the 1966-1967 school year, Bud and Pat were selected as the "class parents" of the senior class of Mangum High School. The seniors would join Bud and Pat and their 4 little boys in their home every Sunday night for fun, fellowship, and Dr. Pepper! She remained in touch with many from that class the rest of her life.

Pat was a giver - she gave of her time and talents to so many in so many ways. She was a loyal member of the United Methodist Church, where she served in numerous leadership capacities, including representing the Cordell congregation for many years at annual conference. She volunteered time as a member of the board of directors for both the Western Plains Library and the Cordell Academic Foundation. She was a loyal member of Beta Sigma Phi, a women's organization whose main goal is philanthropy, life learning, and friendship for its members.

When it came to her grandchildren, she was the biggest giver of all. Pat loved her 7 grandchildren dearly, spending time with each of them and being keenly interested in/involved in each one's lives. She took each one on a special weeklong trip to Boston, New York, or Washington, D.C. - just for him or her. Those trips created unique memories, unbreakable bonds, and special and lasting relationships with each grandchild.

Pat was a loyal and amazing friend, a proud liberal, a supporter of women's rights, an avid Facebook user, and a sports enthusiast - especially loved her Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Whether you knew her as Mother, Mom, Pat, Granny Pat, G, Gran, Barnes, Grandma, Mama B, or Ms. Barnes, Pat's impact on her family, students, friends, and acquaintances was significant - her legacy, stories, and love of life will live on for generations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cordell First United Methodist Church, 216 S. Glenn L English Street, New Cordell, OK 73632; the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, 293 Agriculture Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078; the Cordell Public School Academic Foundation, P.O. Box 171, Cordell, OK 73632; or the Western Plains Library System, 501 S. 28th Street, Clinton, OK 73601.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bud Barnes, her parents Paul and Xea Fern Pickrell, and her sister Phyllis Pickrell Wheeler.

Survivors include:

Brother: Nelson Pickrell and wife Carla, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Sons: Jess Brent Barnes, Bronx, New York; James Paul (Jim) Barnes, Polo, Missouri; Richard Lee Barnes and wife Kim, Flower Mound, Texas; and Joe David Barnes and wife Marla, Polo, Missouri.

Grandchildren: Patrick Barnes, Sanner Barnes, Claire and husband Chris Newman, Ryan Barnes and wife Christyl, Jessica and husband Brooks Robison, Matt Barnes and wife Lauren, and Ty Barnes.

Six Great-Grandchildren: Hunter Stone Barnes (daughter of Ryan and Christyl), Helena Lucille Newman (daughter of Claire and Chris), James May Robison (daughter of Jessica and Brooks); Emma Marie, Hannah Diane, and Jackson William Barnes (2 daughters and 1 son of Matt and Lauren Barnes).

And, a host of other relatives and friends, all of whom love and admire her.

Graveside: 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2025

Tipton Cemetery, Tipton, OK

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2025

First United Methodist Church, Cordell, OK

Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 20, 2025

Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell, OK