Michael A. Barnes 64, of Midland, died Friday morning March 30, 2007 at the MidMichigan Medical Center after a one month battle with lung cancer. He never gave up hope that he could beat this disease and continue to live a productive life. He was born October 28, 1942, in Detroit, son of the late Albert H. and Shirley B. (McShane) Barnes. After graduating from Bentley High School in Livonia, he attended the University of Michigan and then received a full basketball scholarship to the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. Later in his business career, he attended Harvard University for management training.

Recognized as an All-American basketball player while at the University of Alaska, Michael gravitated toward sports management as a career. He was executive vice-president for several Fortune 500 companies in the area of stadium and arena management. He counted as friends such athletes as Willie Mays, John Havlicek, and Joe DiMaggio.

Passionate about all sports, Michael was especially fond of basketball and looked forward all year to “March Madness.” He also loved the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Pistons. After a ten-year lapse, Michael had begun to golf again last summer and was looking forward to playing with his sons and his close friends this season.

Michael loved his friends and family and was especially proud of his eight grandchildren. He enjoyed reading and traveling and owned an extensive collection of presidential memorabilia.

Michael had recently joined Memorial Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder. He was also Chair of the Personnel Committee and a member of Chancel Choir. As a young man, he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., and throughout his life was committed to racial equality and social justice.

He married Barbara Grundy Kell on June 25, 2005; she survives him. Also surviving is Barbara’s mother, whom Michael called “Mom Morris” of Waurika, Oklahoma; sons: Major Casey (Jennifer) Barnes of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, Kevin Barnes, and Kyle Barnes, both of Houston, Texas; daughters, Shannon Barnes of Pensacola, Florida and Brydie (Gus) Raton of Winter Park, Florida; grandchildren Rosemary and Amelia Mearman, Sullivan, Cora, and Grady Barnes, Ben and Grace Raton, and Makayla Laws; a sister Diane (Gregory) Jaco of Redford; nieces and nephews; John (Cindy) Plumley of Saline; Dr. Charles Plumley of Midland; Sara (Daniel) DeGennaro of Fenton; and Daniel Plumley of Ypsilanti. He is also survived by several cousins, and will be missed by Clancy, his beloved yellow Lab.

-FUNERAL SERVICE-
Tuesday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. J. David Pierce officiating.

-VISITATION-
Monday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street.

-INTERMENT-
Midland City Cemetery.

-MEMORIALS-
American Cancer Association, Memorial Presbyterian Church, or the donor’s favorite charity.

-SPECIAL NOTE-
A lunch will follow where friends and loved ones are invited to share stories about Micheal—he would enjoy hearing laughter.