After her husband’s death in 1971 Darlene moved to Joplin from Chelsea, Oklahoma, with her two young daughters to attend Ozark Bible College. She intended to work with young people after graduation. Paul Butler, Dean of Admissions, told her, “In my opinion, there is no better place to do that than right here at Ozark.” So in January 1972 she began a 16 ½-year working relationship there in various positions. On Ground Hog’s Day in 1979 Darlene was married to Gene Barnes, a sweet Christian man she’d met at Park Plaza Christian Church. Later they moved to Willow Springs, MO, to be house parents. When they returned to Joplin, she worked for UMB Bank, Superior, Inc. Home Health Care, and Freeman Health Systems. Gene and Darlene are members of College Heights Christian Church. She leads a ladies Bible study, and they help with communion and offering. Darlene was praying for a way to supplement her retirement income and do something for the Lord as well, when she read in the Villa Heights newsletter that June Bowland was retiring as Financial Secretary. Sherm asked people to pray for a replacement. It seemed that the Lord wasn’t finished with Darlene yet. Villa Heights is just the right place for her to be used, even though following in June Bowland’s footsteps is a tall order. Darlene likes Bible study, decorating, reading, music, laughing and visiting with family and friends. Daughter Tami has two sons, David and Matthew. She and her husband Scott Forrester live in Bristow, OK. She works in the business office of Red Wing in Kellyville, and he is a sheriff’s deputy in Creek County, OK. Daughter Beth is a realtor in Phoenix, AZ, and has two daughters, Tami and Andria. 
Darlene Barnes, Secretary
