Lawrence “Larry” Barnes

Lawrence “Larry” Barnes, 73, of Cary, IL, formerly of Las Vegas, NV, and Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, passed away on June 11, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. 

Larry was born in Chicago, IL, on May 9, 1951. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Joseph Barnes and Mary Kathryn Dempsey.  

Larry is fondly remembered for his ever-present sense of humor, infectious laugh, affinity for art, and great cooking. He cherished his time spent with his ten children watching movies, playing video games, celebrating holidays and birthdays, and sharing in his love of nature on camping trips.  

A steadfast force in his children’s lives, Larry served as a youth sports coach for all ten of his children. As a coach, he shared his love for sports with his children by cheering them on as they played basketball, soccer, and baseball. He continued finding joy and friendship in team sports as an adult, playing in an adult baseball league as a third-baseman and competing in a Las Vegas bowling league in his later years. Larry was a vibrant Chicago sports fan, particularly known for cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks, Bears, and White Sox.  

Larry, affectionately nicknamed “Hippie” by close friends from his graduating class of 1969 at De La Salle Institute in Chicago, was known for his lifelong love of music, which brought him peace in his final moments. He was an avid listener of a variety of musical genres. Throughout his life, he could be found attending music festivals, collecting vinyl records and CDs, supporting his children’s band concerts, and listening to his favorite radio stations.  

Over the course of his life, Larry excelled at bringing people together to build and serve the communities he championed. As the former President of Friends of the Cary Area Public Library, Larry spent his weekends volunteering at the library and community book sales. Larry also served as a Director for the Cary Basketball Association for several years, combining his passion for volunteerism with his love of helping children.  

Larry treasured his dear friends and coworkers in Las Vegas, NV. He spent his time laughing with his best friends at concerts, sporting events, and restaurants, while competing in his bowling league, and enjoying the warm outdoors. 

Larry is survived by his loving family. Larry was the beloved father of Jackie (Ryan) Gopin, Larry (Tracy) Barnes Jr., Michael Barnes, Bryan Barnes, Allison Barnes, Megan (Fiancé Kevin Henneck) Barnes, Emily (Peter) Cartwright, Nikita Barnes, Daniel Barnes, and Colleen Barnes. He was a dear grandfather to four grandchildren. Cherished brother of Ken (Joni) Barnes and Cathy (Steve) Cornelius. Beloved uncle to Jeff Barnes, Brandon Barnes, and Calvin Cornelius. Larry was an esteemed friend to his “Vegas family” and many more. 

Larry’s legacy of love, laughter, and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. 

Memorial visitation will be Friday, June 28, 2024 from 4 PM until 8 PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067. The funeral Mass Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:30 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60614. Interment will be private.