Charles Edward Barnes

Charles Edward Barnes, 81, of Crestview, Florida, passed suddenly but peacefully of natural causes on December 20, 2025. Born in Escambia Farms, Florida, to Cecil Elmond Barnes and Louise Pope Barnes (both deceased), Charles was the eldest of six siblings.

Charles graduated from Crestview High School in 1962 and worked primarily as a defense contractor on Eglin Air Force Base for 46 years. He extended his education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and a Master’s Degree in Administration. He also served the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department as a member of the volunteer Sheriff’s Posse, later becoming a full-time Deputy. For a time after retiring from law enforcement, Charles operated Barnes Investigations, his private investigation agency.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wayne Barnes, sister, Ellen Spears, and daughter, Shelly Derae; He is survived by his brother, Glen Barnes (Janis); sisters, Faye Todd (Clyde) and Sandra Kacenak; son, Craig Barnes (Tamara); stepson, Gregory Boyett (Allison); and his loving wife, Diane Barnes.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 11, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Davis Watkins Crestview Memorial, 492 East Pine Avenue, Crestview, Florida, 32539. A time of visitation will be held 30 minutes prior to the service. A recording of the service will be uploaded online, available to watch at any time.

In honor of Charles, the family will provide a tribute basket for sympathy cards as well as additional cards to share your memories with the family. Flowers for the service will be accepted, but Charles would rather you spend the money on fishing. 

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Crestview Memorial.