Tuesday, August 18, 2020
I am sorry to learn that such an incredible life has ended. I know time catches us all, but Mr. Barnes will never be gone from my memories. Mr. Barnes, Melvin, "Uncle Melv" loved God, his family, the University of Missouri, teaching, the FFA, and it showed everyday in his years of dedication to the agriculture students of Licking High School. I was honored to be on the 23rd of his 25 consecutive state winning Dairy Products judging teams. As it happened, I believe my dad was on the first of those 25. Think about that. 25 Wins on a state level. Each win had a new team with new students. 25 Teams that went on to compete against the best teams in the nation. Imagine the elation in the hearts of all the other coaches when Uncle Melv finally hung it up!
While I know it will be argued that it isn't the same, if any of Licking's athletic coaches would have won 25 straight state championships, I am certain they would be immortalized in bronze somewhere on that campus. Statue or no statue, Mr. Barnes has a legacy that will live on in each of the nearly 100 members of those teams and the thousands of other students who were taught a little bit about leadership and agriculture from Uncle Melv along the way.
Beyond all of the above, Mr. Barnes was an incredible human being who set the ultimate example of service and dedication that I try to emulate every day. While I am sad to know that Mr. Barnes is no longer with us here on earth, I know he will forever be a part of me and so many vivid memories.
Years after I graduated Mr. Barnes once told me "Tim, you were quite the character, but definitely one of the good ones." Well Uncle Melv, so were you. God speed.
