Maynard Barnes

George “Maynard” Barnes age 80 of Callaway passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Callaway Good Life Center in Callaway, NE.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 23, 2024, at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, NE from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Private family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Maynard was born April 18, 1944, to Mary Alice (Patterson) and Lyle Kermitt Barnes, Sr. He graduated from Dunning High School in 1962. 

On February 25, 1963, he was united in marriage to Elaine Hammond. To that union four children were born, Rhonda, George, Jr, Terry, and Lori. He worked as a ranch hand on different place in the Brownlee, Thedford, and Dunning area for several years, including the Zutavern Ranch.

In 1980, he moved to Broken Bow and began working at Arrow Seed. In 1981, he married Linda Nichelson who brought along a daughter Dawnell.

Maynard worked for Arrow Seed until 1993 when he was forced to retire early because of health reasons.

Maynard and Linda became camp hosts in 2005-2018. In this role, they met many people from all over the United States. He enjoyed being in nature and helping his grandchildren learn about camping and fishing. He loved to joke around with people and his sense of humor kept everyone on their toes.

Maynard is survived by his daughters, Rhonda (Bill) Woods of Ansley, Lori (Jamie) Bonde of Callaway, Dawnell (Shannon Paul) Ford of Wilcox, sons George (Sharron) Barnes of Litchfield, and Terry Barnes of Ansley, sister Lauretta Rice of Dunning, sisters-in-law Patti Barnes of Broken Bow, Jan Barnes of Valentine, and Myrna Nichelson of Chula Vista, CA, brother-in-law Mike Nichelson of Lexington, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, stepfather Bobby Larsen, wife Linda Barnes, brothers Everett and Lyle, sisters Winnona Love and Marion Copper, and brothers-in-law Don Rice, Bill Copper, and Jerry Nichelson.