Van L. Barnes was born November 7, 1940 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Pinkie and Johnny Barnes.

He attended Central High School and IPFW.

Van served his country in the U. S. Army from November 26, 1957 - April 30, 1959.

He was a kind, loyal and loving man who loved His family and children.

Surviving are his son, Troy Smith (Charisse); grandson, Caiden; siblings, Andrew, Johnnie, George, Art, Lillie, Catherine Simmons (George) and Betty Milton (Jimmy) along with a host of nephews, nieces, other family and friends.