The family of Derral Barnes have asked the Patriot Guard Riders to pay Honors on their Hero's final journey home. It will be our honor to do so.
Derral was 88 years old at the time of his death. He was born June 24, 1929, and passed on April 5, 2018.
Derral joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 1947, before joining the United States Army in 1948. He was transferred to the reserves a year later and was called up in 1950 during the Korean War. He served as a Radio Operator/Technician until his Honorable Discharge on April 3, 1953. His rank at time of discharge was as a Corporal.
After his years of service, he started working as an electrician and mastered his trade.
Derral met Ruby Rains on a blind date in 1951, and they married in 1953. Derral moved his family to Santa Ana in 1956. Derral and Ruby became members of Bristol Street Baptist Church, where Derral later served as a Deacon. They were faithful servants at this church for 50+ years and followed it as it moved and became the First Baptist Church of Irvine on Yale Ave., and later the First Baptist Church of Tustin on Tustin Ranch Rd. before renaming to Crossroad Church.
Derral had the opportunity to use his craft as an electrician and serve on several different mission trips, including three visits to Russia and one to Japan, where he helped build new churches. Derral also served on an Emergency Disaster Relief Team with FEMA and the Red Cross. He responded to New Orleans in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, in addition to Arizona and Florida after other major natural disasters.
Derral was a passionate gardener with a green thumb. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching Oklahoma Sooners football and Los Angeles Lakers basketball.
He is survived by his wife Ruby, children Gayle, Paul, and Wayne, brothers Shelby and Aaron, 5 grandsons, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Wednesday, 18 April 2018:1115 – Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #1 for family, north of Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1130 - Briefing
1200 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
R/C: Craig (HDCraig) Breskin
So Cal PGR Ride Captain818-448-3955
cbreskin@verizon.net
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
