Thomas "Tom" A. Barnes, Jr.

Thomas “Tom” Austin Barnes, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully after years of battling Parkinson’s disease, on April 11, 2025. Tom was born to Ruth Pixley and Thomas Austin Barnes in Stockbridge Massachusetts, the home of artist Norman Rockwell.

Tom loved to play baseball and was a talented pitcher. Tom was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while attending college back east. Shortly thereafter he was called to and served a mission which included North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana specifically serving the native Americans.

Tom met and married his first wife Kayla Janine May while attending Brigham Young University. They had 7 children, Kristin, Heather, Lisa, Tom, David, Mark and Jon. Janine passed away in 1985. He was then blessed to meet and marry Cherilyn England. They had one more child, Jennifer. His family blossomed to include 29 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He loved to watch his family grow.

Tom graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Family Sciences. He was then hired by the LDS Church Education System and spent his first years coordinating seminaries in Eastern Montana. He then moved to Pocatello. In Pocatello he taught at many of the local seminaries, he became a dedicated trainer of many seminary teachers and taught at the Pocatello Institute of Religion. He also graduated from Idaho State University with his master’s degree in educational administration. Tom and Cheri served a Church Education Mission in San Diego. Tom served in many priesthood callings and blessed many lives in his priesthood service.

He will be greatly missed by many.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11 am at the LDS church, 1433 Gwen Drive, Pocatello, Idaho with a viewing from 10 am to 10:45 am prior. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 2864 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho.

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