In Memory
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Kwame S. Barnes
September 29, 1990 ~ January 11, 2024 (age 33)
Kwame S. Barnes, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away on January 11, 2024, at the age of 33. Born on September 29, 1990, in South Bend, he was a boomerang resident that was in search of answers. Moving to North Dakota and Indianapolis at one point, only to return to the city he cherished and poured love into. In the end he found that there was no place like home.
Kwame's compelling charm had a way of renewing the energy of others. Through laughter and a open-handed spirit, it's no wonder why he left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.The beloved son of Joseph Barnes Jr. and Connie R. (Walker) Barnes, Kwame grew up in a warm and nurturing home alongside his siblings, Joseph Antwon (Madrina) Barnes, Yusef Barnes, and Kamaria (Ja'Varis) Owens. His family was the cornerstone of his life. He cherished every moment spent with them. A proud graduate of John Adams High School in 2009 and studied Culinary Arts at Ivy Tech Community College of South Bend, which later shaped him to impact the taste buds of everyone who had the honor and experience of dining and fellowshipping alongside of him.
Kwame carried the lessons of his youth throughout his life, approaching each day with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. His work ethic was evident to all who worked with him, whether at Auto Zone, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Pepsi Co, or working on oil rigs in North Dakota. Would you believe that even a place such as North Dakota couldn't freeze over his personality and the warmth that he provided? Kwame loved to travel, some of his favorite trips consisted of Florida, Tennessee, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Illinois. His presence was a gift to those around him. He was the life of the party, always ready with a joke or a smile to brighten someone's day. His rebuttals have been known to leave you in a choke hold followed by laughter filling the air. A passionate Chicago Bears and Notre Dame fan, he never missed a game and loved to share his passion for football with family and friends. Those who knew Kwame would describe him as loving and kind, a man who gave freely of himself and expected nothing in return. He was a gentle spirit that strongly shook everyone to the core, whomever he came in contact with. He taught you to raise your vibrations. It wasn't enough to do better when it is simply easy to be better. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life was a testament to his open heart and generous nature.
Kwame is survived by his devoted parents, Joseph and Connie; his loving siblings, Joseph Antwon, Yusef, and Kamaria.
To his home away from home, his Mama Bear Mrs. LaPlace and the LaPlace family, his soul brother Tyler and the Rayl family, and a community of friends who were blessed to know him and experience the love that is and forever will be.
Funeral services for Kwame will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, In 46628. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Immediate burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037 and/or to the Palmer Funeral Home to assist the family with arrangements.
12/22/2024 DEC
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