Gilbert L. “Slim” Barnes of South Third Street, Niles, passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, in his home.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or services.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

He was born in Elkville, Ill. on Aug. 2, 1918, to Hattie Barnes.

While in the US Army in California during World War II, he married Dorothy Cruthers in 1943.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Barnes Olivier of South Bend, Ind., Gilda “Lori” Barnes (Retired Army) of Enterprise, Ala.; a son, Larry Barnes preceded in death in 1978, while serving in the US Army.

In 1971, Gilbert married Marna (Weimer) Byerley.  She has three sons, William (Noi) Byerley of Oak View, Calif., Thomas (Beth) Byerley of Lansing, Paul (Tina) Byerley of Indianapolis, Ind.

Gilbert is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife; his mother; sister, Bernice of Southern Illinois and son-in-law, Larry Olivier.

Surviving is a brother, Frank (Alma) Varnum of Ft. Myers, Fla. and a sister, Ellen (Howard) Rath of Elkville, Ill.

“Slim” loved to hunt deer and turkey, loved to garden and have lots of flowers. He was a big reader of Western novels.

Special thanks to the women from Hospice at Home: Mary, Debbie, Bethany and Amanda, and especially to his neighbor, Charles Milner, who was so helpful.

Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, 4017 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan, MI 49107.

Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, is handling arrangements for the family.