Paul W. Barnes Sr., 71, of Decatur passed away on Sunday morning, June 7, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Paul was born on August 24, 1954, in New Castle, IN, to Charles E. and Helen D. (French) Barnes, both parents preceded him in death. He married Gina K. Hann in Adams County at the New Hope Church on April 27, 2010; She survives in Decatur.

Paul attended Bluffton High School and later served in the United States Navy from 1972-1973 during the Vietnam War and was stationed on the USS Midway. He later started his own construction business and had his own business painting residential and commercial buildings. He was apart of the Decatur Eagles Aerie 2653 for many years. He enjoyed talking to everyone as he was given the gift of gab. He was a social butterfly as some would say and he never knew a stranger. He loved animals of all kinds and especially loved the neighborhood dogs and would give them rides on his scooter.

Paul is survived by his wife Gina; a daughter Amy Torres of New Albany; a son Paul (Bridgette) Barnes Jr. of Van Wert, OH; three sisters, Donna Dillman, Sue Weaver, Cathy Oswalt all of Bluffton; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren with another on the way; along with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend James Lemons.

Aside from his parents, Paul was preceded in death by four brothers, Clarence, Robert “Bob”, Charles, and Jack Barnes.

A graveside service will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Decatur Cemetery, 1828 W Monroe St, Decatur, IN 46733. Pastor Kevin August will officiate.

Immediately following the graveside service, a gathering of family and friends for a meal will take place at the Village Green Apartments, 1109 Bollman St, Decatur, IN 46733

Family has asked that if you intend to come to the meal to please bring a dish to pass.

Memorial contributions in memory of Paul may be made to the Bluffton Animal Shelter.

Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.goodwinharnish.com