Edward Andrew Barnes

Edward Andrew Barnes, a man of steady character and quiet strength, passed away on April 29, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington. He was 81 years old.

Born on January 3, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Evelyn White,

Edward was a man forged by hard work and self-reliance. Though he grew up without a father’s guidance, he built his own blueprint for what a man should be, setting a standard of integrity that defined him as an excellent man, a devoted husband, and a great father.

After graduating from Fife High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. He dedicated twenty-one years to his country, retiring in 1986 as a Master Sergeant. In the autumn of 1966, Edward met Jo Ssang-Kyu, whom he lovingly called “Jo”, and they were married on November 6, 1968, at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. Their marriage lasted 56 years—a partnership built on love, mutual respect, and shared devotion. They settled in Tacoma in 1986, where Edward built the home that would house his family for the next four decades.

Edward was a man of his word who took his responsibilities seriously. Following his military retirement, he spent over twenty years at Pacific Office Automation (formerly HD Baker) before retiring in 2014. He was rarely idle; if he wasn't improving his house or tending to his yard, he was working on cars, particularly his 1969 Chevy Camaro.

Though he was stoic, his love for his family was clear through his actions. He was a constant presence at his son’s martial arts classes and tournaments, and alongside Jo, he lovingly raised 14 dogs over the years. A lifelong sports fan, he grew up wrestling, playing baseball and football, and remained a loyal supporter of the Mariners and Seahawks. Whether it was a day at the lake or a summer afternoon swimming in his pool at home, he found his joy in those shared barbecues and picnics. Some of his favorite memories were of his family and friends enjoying the day together.

He leaves behind a legacy of integrity and care.

Family

Edward is survived by his son, David, and his brother, John.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo.Lovingly

Honoring the Life of Edward Andrew Barnes

If you would like to make a donation to help with the costs of the funeral you can donate by clicking on the link below.

MAKE A DONATION FOR EDWARD BARNES FUNERAL

Services will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2026

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM at Powers Funeral Home (Doors open at 10:00 AM)

Interment: 1:30 PM at Tahoma National Cemetery

Dinner Reception: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Asian Pacific Cultural Center

For those who wish to pay their respects prior to the service, a Viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 21, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Powers Funeral Home.

Please RSVP for the services

If you would like to make a donation to worthy causes in honor of Edward you can donate by clicking the links below.

MAKE A DONATION TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

MAKE A DONATION TO THE ASPCA

MAKE A DONATION TO DISABLED DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS