Martin Allen Barnes, 59, of Mayfield, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Jackson Purchase Medical Center.
Martin was born on August 18, 1966, in Salem, Kentucky, to the late George Barnes and Jessie Pope Barnes.
Martin was a graduate of Livingston County High School and was proud to have been raised in Livingston County, a place he always considered home. He spent most of his working years as a truck driver, working with HVAC Distributing and, most recently, with MrRTO in Hickory, Kentucky. He was a hardworking man who took pride in his work and the friendships he made along the way.
Martin grew up attending Pinckneyville Baptist Church in Salem, where he developed the small-town values of faith, family, and kindness that stayed with him throughout his life.
He found joy in the simple things, spending time fishing, deer hunting, collecting and talking about guns, and “piddling” outside, always finding a project to keep him busy. More than anything, he treasured his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought endless joy to his life. If you knew Martin, you knew there was always a cold Diet Coke nearby; his refrigerator was never without one.
Martin had a one-of-a-kind personality. He had a quick wit, loved making people laugh, and was known for his playful smart-aleck humor that could brighten any room. Beneath that humor was a man with a generous heart who loved deeply, always willing to help others, and devoted to the people he loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Barnes of Mayfield, Kentucky. The two would have celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary next month. He is also survived by his son, Matthew (Sara) Barnes of Graves County, Kentucky; son, Joshua Farthing of Paducah, Kentucky; daughter, Lauren (Ted) Fox of Moyock, North Carolina; brother, Larry (Angie) Barnes of Livingston County, Kentucky; sister, Teresa (Tony) Sanders of Livingston County, Kentucky; cherished grandchildren, Thea Grace Barnes, Evelynn Jo Barnes, and Emery Louise Fox; and several nieces and nephews, including River Barnes, John Barnes, Eric Blaine, and Sara Scott.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Lone Oak Church of Christ, with Jamie Boone officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour of 1:00 p.m. at Lone Oak Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to New Pathways for Children, 3233 Shaw Road, Melber, Kentucky 42069.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
