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Loren Irvin Barnes passed away February 28, 2025, at Croixdale Senior Living after a long illness.
Loren was born March 16, 1946, in Springfield, Ill., to Bryce and Eloise Barnes. He graduated in 1964 from Glenwood High School in Chatham, Ill., before completing undergraduate studies at Western Illinois University. Loren and Sheryl Lorimor were high school sweethearts and married on June 2, 1968. Together, they and their children farmed for many years in rural Chatham, Ill., before Loren became Building Supervisor at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in nearby Springfield. Loren and his family moved in 2015 to New Richmond, Wisc., to be near family already in the area. He was active in many community organizations, including driving veterans to the VA hospital and the Illinois High School Association, and “leader of the in-laws” at family reunions. He was a loving husband, father, Papa, uncle, granduncle and friend.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Loren was an active member of American Legion posts and their Honor Guard in Springfield, Ill., and New Richmond, Wisc. Loren was a lifetime member of the Chatham Masonic Lodge 523 and active in the New Richmond Lodge 195. He similarly held leadership positions within the Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, Ill. and the Valley of Eau Claire, Wisc. and was recognized with the 33rd Degree in 1993. Loren and family were members of Chatham United Methodist Church and New Richmond United Methodist Church.
Loren is survived by his wife, Sheryl Barnes, of Bayport, Minn., son Richard Barnes of New Richmond, Wisc., and daughter Amy (Clayton Dumcum) Barnes of Stillwater, Minn. Loren is also survived by his sister, Mary Kay (Lee) Huntoon, granddaughters Natalie and Rachel Dumcum, sister-in-law Susan (William) Meltzer, brother-in-law Randall (Cynthia) Lorimor, five nephews, a niece and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post 80 in New Richmond, Wisconsin (1260 Wall Street) on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00PM. Military honors for Loren will begin promptly at 2:00PM outside of the American Legion with an open house to follow. Bramley Funeral Home of Divernon, Illinois, will assist with Loren’s internment at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to one of the following organizations: Cancer Center Of Western Wisconsin, Arnell Memorial Human Society or the Masonic Lodge #195 of New Richmond, Wisconsin.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
17 Comments
A wonderful friend and neighbor. A great gardener.
Sending Loren’s family our heartfelt condolences. We loved to see Loren at the New Richmond Legion.
We miss him dearly. Rest Easy Loren!
Loren took the part of Kenaz in the Scottish Rite play (master of the brazen serpent)and always did a top notch job. He will be missed by many.
All of us at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield, Illinois were saddened to hear of Loren’s passing. He was the rock that this building was built on. We honor his memory and thank him for his leadership in our early years.
Loren was a high school classmate and married another classmate, Sherri. Both were cherished classmates. Loren’s commitment to our school and community were extensive. We will always be grateful for his help and wisdom.
Loren was one of the best Mason’s I had the pleasure to know. I loved working with him when he managed the Masonic Temple. He will always hold a special place in my heart for the kindness he always offered and for the true gentleman he was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sherri, we are saddened to learn of Loren’s passing. He was a great guy and it was very generous of you two to always host the hospitality in your room at social events. I AM happy to learn that you have 2 granddaughters! Condolences and hugs to you, Rich and Amy.
So sorry to hear of Loren passing he was a good friend and we enjoyed mid nights together on the football field. My condolences to the family.
So sorry to hear of Loren passing. We officiated many high school football games together. He was committed to his family, the Legion and Scottish Rite. My condolences to his family.
Thinking of Loren always makes me smile. Sorry for your loss Sherri
Kay and I will remember all the great times and his friendship.
Loren brought me into the Masonic family and in 2023 welcomed me as a 33rd Degree Mason. He will be greatly missed.
Tremendous man,
Such a mentor to myself and many others
We are so sorry to hear this. I have so many great memories of trips with Cheryl and our time at the aquacise classes. We only made it up to see them a couple times since their move. We send our love and prayers.
As a former mayor of Springfield, I want to recognize his impact on our community. I knew Loran primarily through his work taking care and preserving the downtown Masonic Temple and his efforts in maintaining and transferring it to our community to become the Hoogland Center for the Arts. He then continued to oversee the building until his retirement. His work and efforts has given Springfield a “jewel” that we will be ever great full for.
As a former classmate, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Loren and I were best friends during our grade schools years in Farmersville IL. Many wonderful memories, including 4-H, Little League and Table Tennis. He was the best.
I served with Loren on the Interveterans Burial Detail in Springfield, Il, he was also a past commander of the largest American legion post in Illinois. A good man that was a true patriot.
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