IL SR0476

Memorial resolution honoring Ray George Barnes, who passed away on September 13, 2025, born November 19, 1938 in Green Valley, Illinois

Served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from December 1958 to June 1964 (discharged as lieutenant), Air National Guard from 1964 to 1982 (retired as lieutenant colonel), and U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1982 to 1990 (retired as colonel)

Achieved command pilot rating with nearly 3,000 flying hours; became first centurion on USS Kitty Hawk for 100 successful jet landings; received Joint Service Commendation Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal

Worked 33 years at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Information Services, retiring in November 1996 as manager of Database and Teleprocessing Support; earned bachelor's degree in business administration from Bradley University in 1976

Active member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pekin, serving as treasurer and trustee; survived by wife Joyce (married 48 years), five children, two stepchildren, 21 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild