Obituary of Miles Leon Barnes

Age 72, of Elmira, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 24, 2017. Miles was born in Elmira on August 15, 1945, one of thirteen children of Everett J. and Zelda (Doolittle) Barnes. He is predeceased by his mother and step-father, Zelda and Isiah Williams; father and step-mother, Everett and Mildred Barnes; siblings, Lewis, Charles and Gary Barnes, Linda Barnes Hogan, Gail Barnes, Jessica Lockwood; and his best friend Louis Wallitt. Miles is survived by his former wife, and dear friend, Sue A. Barnes, Anaheim CA; children, Mark A. Barnes, Elmira; Melissa L. Ambrose, Orlando FL and husband Stephen, with children, Nicholas Carson with wife Jessica, Cody Carson, Dustin Ambrose and Stephen Ambrose; Miles L. Barnes II, Horseheads and wife Athena, with children, Ashlyn, Hayden and Miles III; Andrea S. Barnes, of Elmira, with Heather DeSano; Amy S. Barnes, Big Flats, with Michael Huggins; siblings and their spouses, Howard and Sharon Barnes, Palmetto FL; Roxanna Lockwood, Bradenton FL; Jacqueline Fitzgerald-Zook and Timothy Zook, Syracuse NY; Sheryl and William Allen, Elmira; Robert and Cecelia Barnes, Elmira; Clifton Lockwood, Syracuse; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins; Lou's wife, Alice Wallitt; and faithful canine companion , Bosco Barnes. Miles was a graduate of Southside High School and a U S Navy Vietnam veteran. He was a graduate of Elmira College where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice. He had a twenty-three year career with the NYS Department of Corrections retiring as a Captain in 1992. Miles was also the former business owner of The Arch Café. He loved sports and enjoyed sharing that passion with his children, taking them to various sporting events. He was also his children and grandchildren's biggest fan at their sporting activities. Miles' favorite teams were the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams and Oklahoma Sooners. He was an avid gambler and loved to play cards, with poker being his favorite game. Miles also enjoyed reading. A true family man first and foremost in his life were his children and grandchildren. He will be missed. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Monday, October 30, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m., with military honors accorded at the conclusion of the service. Miles had a great love for his animals. In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember him with a donation to your local animal shelter or any military veteran organization.