Nate Barnes

Nate Barnes, 42, of Winterset and formerly of Fort Dodge, passed away on September 4, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Nathaniel Phillip Barnes, the son of Jeff and Shirley Barnes, grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa. After graduating from Ottumwa High School, he married Patricia Phillips of Ottumwa. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed his career as an F-16 crew chief. He is a decorated combat veteran having deployed multiple times throughout his career. While not on duty during his deployments, he volunteered to care for pediatric casualties of war, a cause that was very near to his heart. Following his honorable discharge, Nate moved back to Iowa to be closer to his family. Nate will be remembered by those closest to him for his love of animals, his bright smile, his charismatic personality and humor. He was incredibly smart and enjoyed learning about all topics. He spent many summers during his teen years at Lake Okoboji where he enjoyed boating, jet skiing, fishing and just being still with nature. Nate was a loyal father, son, brother, friend and Airman. He will be profoundly missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his three children, Madison, Zack and Will Barnes (Mingo, IA); grandchildren, Gunner and Kinzlee; mother, Shirley Barnes (Winterset, IA); siblings Jason (Laura) Barnes (Winterset, IA) , Jennifer (Mike) Sherman (Warrensburg, MO), and Luke (Ashlee) Barnes (Burlington, IA); nieces and nephews Katie, Kayla, JT, Ryleigh, Lydia, Shea and Cole and his love Stephenie Welch of Ottumwa. He is proceeded in death by his father, Jeffry Barnes, his paternal grandparents, Herbert and Mary Jane Barnes, paternal uncles Bill and Terry Barnes and maternal aunt Janet Meyer.