Randy L. Barnes

Randy L. Barnes, 63, of Dolgeville, New York passed away peacefully on Friday evening, January 21, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, New York. At the time of his passing, Randy was surrounded by the comfort, support and love of his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, and family.

He was born on November 30, 1958 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, Leland Sr. and Anna (Holl) Barnes. Randy attended Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1978. He then went on to attend Herkimer County Community College.

On November 24, 1979, Randy was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Kim M. Foster. The couple shared 42 years of marriage together, where they raised their eight children in a loving home. 

Randy was formerly employed by Remington Arms in Ilion, New York until his retirement in 2005. Prior to that, he was employed for the Kelsey Hayes Utica Corporation. Randy’s hard work ethic came from years of helping on the family farm.

Randy was always involved in his community volunteering his time to serve others. Since the age of 18, he was a volunteer fireman. He first began volunteering at the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department and earned Fireman of the Year in 1977. He was also a member of the Stratford Volunteer Fire Department where he served as assistant chief. Currently, Randy is a member of the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department Benevolent Association. In addition to his membership within the fire department, he serves as the East Canada Creek Fire District Commissioner. 

Randy was a lifetime supporter of the Dolgeville Blue Devils in all areas of sports. If anyone knew Randy, they knew his motto was that he “Bled Blue and White”. Starting from a young age in high school, he was a dedicated athlete for the Dolgeville Blue Devils Football Team. In 1977, he earned the New York State All Star Award for Tackle and later in life, Randy was inducted as a member of the Dolgeville Football Hall of Fame in 2013. He always volunteered his time to support his children in their sporting events and never missed a game. In past years, Randy was a Pop Warner coach as well as a Little League coach. 

Randy also served several positions in the Village of Dolgeville including Grand Marshall of the Violet Festival parade and as a former board member for the Village Board of Appeals. 

He was a member of the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Randy was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. He also enjoyed decorating the outside of his home for Christmas and was deemed the “Clark Griswold” of his time. Randy loved playing Santa’s helper at Christmas time for children and would entertain people at parties, in their home, rides on fire trucks for parades or for any and all community events. 

Above all, Randy was a true family man. His most precious time was spent in the company of his wife, children and grandchildren. Randy and Kim hosted foreign exchange students  and welcomed several foster children into their home, raised them as their own and adopted five of those children. Randy was like a second Dad to many of his children’s friends as well. A dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather (“Poppa”), brother and friend, Randy’s presence will be deeply missed by his family, community and all the lives that he touched. 

Randy is survived by his beloved wife, Kim M. Barnes at home; children, Amanda Wilson and her husband, Wayne of Frankfort, NY, Kayla Corso of Salisbury, NY and Brandon Corso of Dolgeville, NY, Kyle Barnes and his wife, Krystal of San Antonio, TX, Ronald Barnes of Rome, NY, Mae Jean Bullock of Little Falls, NY, “Yen” Nuttapun Tanawichabun and her husband, Lee of Bangkok, Thailand, Jasmine & Derek Barnes of Dolgeville, NY; grandchildren, Xander Wilson, Xion Wilson, Xaria Wilson, Christian Corso, Cody Corso, Yara Barnes, Sienna Barnes, Kimlee, Dawson Bullock, Theo Bullock, and two grandchildren expected this year; brothers, Leland Barnes, Jr. of Salisbury, NY, Jerry Barnes of Dolgeville, NY and Ronald Barnes of Dolgeville, NY and their families; in-laws, George Foster, III of Dolgeville, NY, Gregory Foster, Sr. of Little Falls, NY and Geoff Foster and Teri of Stratford, NY and their families; special aunts, Lillian Barnes of Salisbury, NY and Marilyn Juba of Dolgeville, NY; a very special cousin, Gary Barnes of Salisbury, NY; many special nieces, nephews and cousins; his Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club, including Bob Griffin, Jim Doxtader, Jerry Barnes and Al Bolen who recently passed; and his cherished fur babies and support dogs, Lucy Rose and River. 

He was predeceased by his parents; father and mother-in-law, George Jr. and Barbara Foster; brothers-in-law, Gary Foster and Larry Hall; and a nephew, Gregory Foster, Jr. 

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department, 20 S. Helmer Ave.  All are welcome to attend. Please feel free to wear your favorite pocket t-shirt in honor of Randy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions for the Herkimer County Humane Society, American Heart Association or Dolgeville Football Boosters. Please note on your donation, “In Memory of Randy Barnes” in order to properly acknowledge the memorial. Please see addresses and websites listed below for corespondence. 

The Barnes family would like to give a special thanks to MOVAC, CNY Cardiology, most specifically cardio thoracic surgeon, Dr. Karavas, and hospitalist, Dr. Munir and the CT/ICU staff at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center for their dedicated care & compassion they gave to Randy & his family.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Barnes Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall within the website. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randy L. Barnes, please visit our floral store.