Dr. Dorothy Barnes

Dr. Dorothy Carol Kraft Barnes, a cherished educator, compassionate mentor, and beloved friend, passed away on July 14, 2024. Her life was a testament to dedication and service, influencing countless lives around the world. Born in Ohio on November 17, 1933, Dr. Dorothy moved to Dallas during her teenage years. She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas.

Dr. Dorothy's teaching career began at Kinnaird College in Lahore, Pakistan, where she spent three enriching years. Upon her return to the United States, she joined the faculty of McMurry University. Her passion for helping others was evident through her leadership roles in the Shepherds of the Streets program for inner-city children in Washington D.C. and Dallas, Texas.

In 1966, Dorothy married Robert (Bob) Barnes, embarking on a beautiful partnership both personally and professionally. In 1968, they moved to Abilene, Texas, where Bob served as the Director of Christian Education at St. Paul United Methodist Church, and Dorothy resumed her faculty position at McMurry University. These years were marked by the creation of enduring friendships and dedicated service to the community.

In 1972, Dorothy and Bob were both accepted into doctoral programs at the University of Georgia. Dorothy also took on a full-time faculty position while pursuing her doctorate part-time. After completing their doctoral studies, they returned to Texas. Bob became the founding director of the University Counseling Center at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University), and Dorothy served on the university faculty.

Dorothy's tenure at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene spanned 32 years, during which she influenced countless students in the Counseling and Human Development (COHD) program. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as she spoke at professional conferences across the United States and internationally, including several World Congresses of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy.

Among her many accolades, Dr. Barnes received the Virtue Award from HSU's Roundtable, an organization for faculty wives. She also served on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army in Abilene for over 30 years and was a member of the Executive Council of the International Board of Directors of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Robert "Bob" Barnes. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, a large family of former students, treasured colleagues, and dear friends. Additionally, she is survived by children she loved as her own grandchildren: Swayze and Saylem Harris and Mysti, Brittney, and Brock O'Quinn. Dr. Barnes will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to education, her kind, compassionate spirit, strong faith, and the profound impact she had on everyone she met.

A celebration of life service will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road on Saturday, July 27th at 2:00, with graveside services immediately following at Elmwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to:

 Dr's Robert C. and Dorothy C. Barnes Undergraduate Endowed Scholarship, Hardin-Simmons University, 2200 Hickory, HSU Box 16100, Abilene, TX 79698 connectnow.hsutx.edu;

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech Street, Abilene, TX 79601;

The Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy, P.O. Box 15211, Abilene, Texas 79698

We express heartfelt thanks to Cynthia Sparks for loving and caring for Dr. Dorothy over the past two years.