Grover Cleveland Barnes

November 18, 1906 – May 3, 2010

Grover Cleveland Barnes passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 3, 2010, at the age of 103. His beloved wife, Ethel, preceded him in death in 2005. They had no children.
Mr. Barnes was born in Percilla, Texas on November 18, 2006. He went to high school in Crockett, Texas and then on to Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, studying to be a teacher. Searching for better opportunities, he made his way to California in 1942 and a couple of years later began his career at the Miramar Hotel in Montecito. He quickly rose to Head Bellman, a position he held until his retirement in 1981 at the age of 75. During his career he became well known and respected by generations of Santa Barbarans and guests from all over the country and the world.

In addition to his career with the Miramar, Mr. Barnes was active in many local groups, including the NAACP Santa Barbara Chapter, the Eastside Study Group, the George Washington Carver Scholarship Society, the Masonic Lodge and the St. Paul AME Church in Santa Barbara. He corresponded with civic leaders locally and nationally and was a frequently published contributor of letters to the editors of several local papers and journals.

A viewing will be held from 9 am to 5 pm. Thursday, May 13 at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels, 15 E. Sola Street. Services will take place 11 a.m. Friday, May 14 at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu Street. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Paul AME Church, 502 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.