Gary GaMaille Barnes, 87 years of age, and a longtime resident of Oak Park, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after several years of declining health and vascular dementia.

Gary was the loving father of Rachel Barnes Pledger and  a proud grandfather of Scott Thomas Pledger and Rebecca Anne Pledger. He was the devoted son of the late CW Barnes and the late Roby Gregory Barnes, a dear brother of Gregory (Yoko) Barnes, and a fond uncle of Stephen Barnes and Roby Barnes.

Gary was a standout at Monticello High School in Monticello, IL, and went on to play college basketball at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he studied philosophy. He later earned a Masters of Divinity from Yale and a Masters of Social Work.

Gary loved working on his home on Humphrey Ave, restoring antiques, and woodworking. He enjoyed jazz music, camping and hiking, and staying active whether it was tennis, volleyball league, or riding his bike around town.

He was not a fan of technology and was not shy to share his view on that subject and a few other topics as well. His stubbornness to adapt was a part of his charm.  In fact, he labored for 10 years hand writing a book on the detriment of technology to society. Sadly, it was never published. It would have been an interesting read.

Gary was known for his smile, his laugh and sense of humor, and his staunch passionate positions. He was keenly interested and involved in politics, was an active member of the Oak Park community and an avid sports fan rooting for the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Illini, and Oak Park River Forest Huskies.

In keeping with his wishes, Gary will be cremated and interred at the Bement Township Cemetery alongside his parents at a later date.  A memorial at his beloved Allerton Park near his hometown of Monticello, IL is also planned.  Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home.  Info at (708) F-U-N-E-R-A-L