Vernon Douglas Barnes

Doug Barnes, 84 years of age, of Waxahachie passed on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in peaceful sleep at home. Born July 11, 1940, in Taylor, TX to Alfred and Burlene Barnes, brother of Tommy Barnes. He graduated from Granger High School in 1958 and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University in 1964. Doug began his management career at Texas Utilities (formerly known as Texas Power & Light) in Dallas, TX. For 37 years he worked diligently for the same company in Tyler, Cameron, and Corsicana, completing his tenure in Waxahachie. Beginning in 2002 Doug was entrusted by the city as Director of Economic Development for the next 18 years. He oversaw the growth of Waxahachie to help it become the thriving community it is today. Doug continued his civil service in 2020 having been elected to the Waxahachie City Council and having the honor of serving as Mayor of Waxahachie. 

 Doug was deeply devoted to his Christian faith, to his family, and to his beloved Fightin’ Texas Aggies. He is survived by his four children, Christopher Barnes of New York, NY, Christin Bugaj and Michael Bugaj (son-in-law) of Fort Worth, TX, Candice Boehm and Matthew Boehm (son-in-law) of Bryan, TX, and John Cody Barnes and Kim Barnes (daughter-in-law) of Spotsylvania, VA. He is also survived by his brother, Tommy Barnes, brother-in-law Ricky Mulholland, nephews Charles Slaton, Keith Barnes, and niece, Kimberly Barnes. Doug has eight grandchildren: Madeline Boehm (18), Michael Boehm (14), and Matthew Boehm (10), Avery Bugaj (11), and John Christopher Barnes (13), Maryn Barnes (11), Harper Barnes (9), and James Barnes (4). Doug was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Sharon Lynn Mulholland Barnes.

 How do you condense the whole of a man’s life into 500 words or less? Especially our dad who spent his entire life working to make each day better than the day before for every person he met. He truly lived the greatest commandment: love thy neighbor. “Well done, my good and faithful servant…Come, share your master’s joy.” Matthew 25:21

 Viewing and Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Waxahachie Civic Center from 5 pm to 7 pm. Public remarks will be at 6 pm followed by the Rosary at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 am followed by Graveside Service at Granger City Cemetery, Granger, TX at 3:00 pm.

Memorial – in lieu of flowers please consider having a Catholic Mass said for the repose of the soul of the deceased at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waxahachie, TX.