Dexter Barnes

Dexter David Barnes Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully among family, leaving behind a legacy of service, devotion to family, and quiet strength. Dexter was born on March 17, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wilma and Dexter David Barnes Sr. He was their only child. A gifted student, he graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, AR at the age of 16. After attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for one semester, Dexter answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Navy at just 17 years old. Dexter proudly served in the Navy during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While stationed at the Naval Base in San Diego, California, he met the love of his life, Ellen. Together they shared 59 years of marriage and raised six children. Dexter also had two children from a previous marriage. After retiring from the Navy, Dexter and Ellen moved to Arkansas in 1970, where he began a second career with the United States Postal Service. He retired from the USPS in 1992. Dexter and Ellen loved traveling to visit their grandchildren and were deeply proud of each one, remaining actively involved in their lives and activities. Dexter was an avid gardener and found great peace and healing in tending his garden, which he often described as his therapy. Dexter was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his children: Dennis Barnes of Pennsylvania; Delaina Hathaway of Missouri; Teresa Gunlock (Rick) of Texas; Jo Small of Missouri; Linda Kinder of Conway, Arkansas; John Barnes of Ohio; James Barnes of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Rebekah Pruitt (Eric) of Beebe, Arkansas. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great joy and pride to him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to First Christian Church of Beebe.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. DeWitt Henry Dr. Beebe, Arkansas 72012. Memorial Service will be 12:00 p.m. January 24, 2026, at the Beebe Church of Christ, 1906 W Center St. Beebe, Arkansas 72012. To view the online guestbook: www.smithfamilycares.com