Alva Dale Barnes

Alva (Al) Dale Barnes passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, July 29, 2011 due to complications from a prolonged illness. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1938 to Mancel and Velma Barnes. After leaving home, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and retired from the military in San Antonio in 1963. Upon obtaining his civilian helicopter and fixed-wing aviation licenses in the early 1970s, Al pioneered the use of helicopters for cattle round-ups and predator control throughout Texas including renowned spreads such as the King and Briscoe Ranches. In its heyday, his helicopter business serviced a territory that stretched throughout Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma. After ending his aviation career, he went on to become a successful inventor and entrepreneur. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lillian Barnes of San Antonio, his brother Gary Barnes of Paris, TX, his sisters Marion and Redding Stevenson of Flat Rock, N.C., Jauan Ferriter of Little Rock, AR, his children, Regina and Gordon Marshall of Gentry, AR, Vel and Dan Greisen of Norfork, AR, Stacie Barnes-Scott of New Bruanfels, TX, his step children Debi and Joe Sansom of San Antonio, TX, David and Sherrie Reyes of Puyallup, WA, & Dennis and Lichelle Reyes of San Antonio, TX. Al had seven grandchildren, (Koby, Chad, Clint, Jacob, Amber, Alyssa and Everette) and three great-grandchildren (Ollie, Nolan and Ava Grace). There will be a Memorial Service held on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 9:30 A.M. at Puente and Son's Funeral Chapels - Northeast, located at 14315 Judson Rd., San Antonio, TX 78233 to be followed by an 11:45 a.m. committal service at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the San Antonio Vista Care Hospice center located at 4242 Woodcock Dr. SAT, 78228.

Cemetery:
We will be departing in procession to Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209, for a 11:45 A.M. committal service during which full military honors will be performed.

There will be a Memorial Service held on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 9:30 A.M. at Puente and Son\'s Funeral Chapels - Northeast, located at 14315 Judson Rd., San Antonio, TX 78233.