Ronald L Barnes

Ronald “Ron” Leroy Barnes, 77, Centennial, CO. was born in Logan, IA on September 28, 1946. Ron was born at home while his siblings were sent to the movies. Legend has it that newborn baby Ronnie went to the movies as well that night. His love of cinema would later be passed down to his children, grandchildren, and even his great grandchildren. 

The youngest of 10 children, times weren’t always easy for the family from Hardscratch, IA. He grew up spending a lot of time in the diner, often sleeping in a booth while his mom worked hard to care for her children as a single mother. He infamously ate a lot of bacon grease and lettuce sandwiches during this time as it was all they could afford. The adversity they faced helped shape his values and ideals of simplicity. Being the youngest in the family came with its challenges, but he knew no different.

 Later, he would enlist in the Navy, spending 4 years aboard the USS Currituck and the USS Ticonderoga. Shortly after enlisting, Ron and Nancy were married and moved to San Diego, just 3 months before he would be deployed to Vietnam. During this time, he traveled to many countries including Vietnam, Singapore, Japan and Korea. He was a radarman and was instrumental to operations in the Tonkin Gulf and North Korea during the 1968 USS Pueblo incident. While he was deployed, Nancy held up the fort until he returned. 

Upon his return, Ron was awarded an honorable discharge and would attend electronics school in Omaha. Shortly thereafter, they settled in Colorado where they stayed and started their family. Ron worked in broadcasting as an electronics engineer and would later transition to broadcast sales. He sold broadcasting equipment for many years to network channels and was largely instrumental in video. The family traveled with Ron on several occasions for business trips. Many adventures were had, and many memories were made. Ron was one of the most caring people. He loved comedy and cheesy dad jokes. He always wanted to make people laugh. There was a running joke about a buddy boat that sank, and his kids teased him by calling him “Skippa!” for years after.

 As the kids grew older and times changed, Ron was burned badly by a former employer, and it affected him deeply. This proved to be a difficult time for the whole family for many reasons, but especially for Ron. However, he came back, stronger than ever, starting his own business Triad Communications. The business would evolve over time, and he became a pioneer with the newly emerging wi-fi technology, some of which we see today. Whenever we see the 9news helicopter camera, we can be reminded that he was involved in that technology.

Ron had many hobbies and interests. He loved to tinker in the basement, watch movies, ride motorcycles and his ATV. He earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and had his ham radio license. He had an interest in current events and politics, and he maintained his sense of patriotism throughout his life. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following veteran charities: Misson 22 and Gary Sinise Foundation.