Lewyn "Tex" Barnes, 82, of Washburn, ND died March 5, 2020 at a Bismarck hospital. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Monday, March 9 ^th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a meal to follow at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn, ND. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Lewyn was born December 17, 1937 at the family home in Oakwood, Texas, the eldest son of Harry and Maudie (Andrews) Barnes. He graduated from Oakwood High School in 1957. Following high school, he immediately moved to Denver, CO and began working at Steel Inc. He worked metal fabrication and design for several years and inherited the nickname "Tex". In 1960, he married Velma Lindsley. From this marriage came two daughters, Renae and Tamara. Tex along with two business partners formed a metal fabrication business called GBC in Denver. During this time, he had several inventions that became patented. He performed design and manufacturing work for Coors Brewing Company and Celestial Seasonings. Tex later sold his interest in GBC and began a solid waste disposal company called "Little Critters". This enterprise eventually led him to work for the Environmental Protection Agency. He did a majority of his work on reservations throughout the western half of the United States. It was through this work that he met and married Celeste Schettler Eagleman. They made their home in New Town from 1987 to 1990. They moved to Falkirk, ND and later to Washburn. Tex was employed by Wagon Wheel Lumber in Washburn for many years. He enjoyed working on antique cars and fishing. In his later years he most importantly loved being a grandfather.

Tex is survived by his wife of 32 years, Celeste Barnes of Washburn; his daughters, Tamara (Roger) Marinzoli of Princeton, NJ and Amy (Brandon) Knutson of Lincoln, ND; three grandchildren, Alex Marinzoli, Quintin and Taylor Chapman; one brother, Charles (Elsie) Barnes of Carthage, TX; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Washburn Ambulance Service.