Michael Allen Barnes
August 19, 1941 - November 24, 2024
Mike Barnes passed away November 24 at the age of 83. Always with a smile, he frequented HGS meetings, SIPES luncheons and represented the HGS at AAPG House of Delegates meetings and events. He joined the HGS in June 1967. In 2002 he was a recipient of the HGS Rising Star Award and served as a Director on the HGS Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004. He joined the AAPG in 1972 and was proud to be a Certified Petroleum Geologist. He served on the AAPG House of Delegates for Houston from 2000 to 2007 and 2017 to 2020. He was also a member of SIPES, GSH and SEG.
His biography cites his experience in prospect generating and field studies, unitization and planning in the Gulf Coast, Tyler Basin, and Mississippi Salt Basin. His bio expressly lists providing “advice on how not to screw up a project.” You had to know Mike.
Mike was a founding member of the Houston lunch group Onshore Exploration Independents over 30 years ago and a cofounder of the Onshore Exploration Independents 2.0 that grew out of the original OEI group.
His complete obituary follows.
It is with deep sadness that the family of Michael Allen Barnes announces his passing on November 24, 2024, at the age of 83 due to unexpected surgery complications. Born on August 19, 1941, in San Diego, CA. Birth parents were Ima Ree & Charlie Chamness. He was adopted at age 8 by Ray and Bessie Barnes of Ferris, Texas.
Mike spent his school years in Ferris and Lancaster, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Tuley, during his senior year. They married on August 1, 1959, and shared 65 years of love and memories. His family and friends cherished Mike, known for his kindness and devotion as a husband and father. He is deeply missed by Dorothy, their children Eric and Kelly, and Bruce, who welcomed him to his heavenly home. Their little dog, Harley, is also mourning his absence.
And avid outdoorsman, Mike loved fishing and hunting, cherishing trips to Beeville, Fayetteville and Alaska, eagerly anticipating each adventure. He earned a B.S. in Geology with minors in math and biology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1967, supported by a major oil company scholarship his senior year. He began his career with Texaco in Houston, where he worked in the oil and gas industry, holding several VP positions at a number of other companies in Houston. He was a member of numerous professional affiliations. Even in retirement, he continues working on his “Hackberry” project and was proud to be a Certified Professional Geologist.
Mike is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son Eric; daughter Kelly; brothers Bill Palmer & Helena; Montey & Lauretta Chamness; sister Dana Gately; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Garden Oaks Funeral Home, 13430 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77083, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to 2806 S. Blue Meadow Cir., Sugar Land, TX 77479 or if you wish flowers may be delivered to Garden Oaks Funeral Home by 9:00 a.m. on December 10.