After a long battle with cancer, Roderick Stephen Barnes died peacefully in his sleep July 18, 2016, at the age of 83 in the home he built in Coupeville.

Rod was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Coquille, Ore., to father Samuel R. Barnes and mother Ethel Barnes, who preceded him in death. He grew up in a loving family with his sister Larkie. Rod enlisted in the Marines in 1950, transferred to the Navy in 1963 and retired to Coupeville in 1981. Rod is a decorated veteran of both the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Rod was an extremely active and dedicated member of his community. He was a member and leader in the Lions Club, US Power Squadron, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and many other organizations.

Rod is survived by his children, daughter Colleen and her husband Tom, son Craig and his wife Wiki, son David and his wife Edna and Son Daryl and wife Liz; his sister Larkie Gildersleeve, and his nieces Cicilie and Anna; as well as his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Rod requested no memorial service and wished to be cremated and buried at sea.

His ceremony will be carried out onboard a Naval ship off the Washington coast.

The family would especially like to thank the WhidbeyHealth Hospice team for their excellent work and loving care; Doctor John Hassapas and Doctor Rosa Rengel and staff of WhidbeyHealth for their constant, attentive treatment; and Burley Funeral Chapel, for making the arrangements.