John O. Barnes

John was born in Minneapolis, MN to John T. and Helen Barnes.  He grew up in Mora, MN and attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in geology.  John enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1959, where he rose to the rank of Lt. Commander.  He served our country for 23 years, retiring in 1982 at the Naval Operational Support Center - North Island, San Diego.  His Navy career took him around the world, including 2 years in Antarctica at McMurdo station.  He married Lesley Johnson on November 25, 1959.  They had two daughters, Marcia and Lynnae, the family settled in San Diego, California in the late summer of 1971.  John was active in the Masonic Lodge.  He achieved the level of Grand Master in 1986.  He was also an active member of the North Clairemont Method Church.  John began flying before he was old enough to drive a car.  Like his father, flying was in his blood.  John was a pilot and flight instructor in San Diego for years.   He received the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” award from the FAA for 50 years of Aviation Safety.  John’s lifelong love for flying was evident every summer at Lake Vermilion in Minnesota.  He would use his float plane to cruise the skies, and take anyone up that wanted a ride.  May he now enjoy cruising, in the eternal skies.