Arden Duane Barnes

Arden Duane Barnes (known to his friends and family as Duane), 82, of North Highlands, CA, passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2023.  He was born on May 30, 1941, in Denver, Colorado. Duane was a kind and selfless individual with a good sense of humor.

Duane graduated from Kearney High School in 1959 in San Diego, CA.  He proudly joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961 as an Aircraft Electrician Systems Technician.  He served overseas and fought in the Vietnam War.  After Vietnam, he was stationed in England, where he met and married the love of his life, Sandra.  They moved to Southern California, where Duane retired from the Air Force as a Tech Sergeant at Norton Air Force Base in 1981.  While in the Air Force, he received the Airman’s Medal for saving a fellow soldier’s life.

After retiring from active duty, the family moved to North Highlands, where Duane continued working with the Air Force in civil service as an Aircraft Electrical Systems Trainer at McClellan Air Force Base.  He was known for his exceptional skills and dedication in his field.

Outside of his professional life, Duane enjoyed spending time with his family, watching movies with his wife, model railroading, square dancing, sewing, barbequing, and camping.  Duane was also a Boy Scout Leader and assisted with the Girl Scouts.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, daughters Beverley Carey and Vicki Droogsma, son Ben Barnes, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Duane, mother Florence, brothers John and Donald, and sister Diana.

Duane will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, selflessness, and humor will forever be cherished.

Friends and family are invited to join us on August 23, 2023, anytime between 6:00 and 8:00 pm at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel, 6920 Destiny Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677, for a viewing/celebration of Duane’s life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Duane’s memory to SPCA, Wounded Warrior Project or Boys and Girls Clubs of America.