Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle from September 17 to September 18, 2011

Barnes Arbuckle
Barnes Stephen Arbuckle, died suddenly on Wednesday, September 14, 2011. He was born to Philip Barnes and Ruey Kunzman Arbuckle on September 12, 1958, in Houston, Texas. Barnes is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Susan Mayer Arbuckle, daughter Lesley and son Stephen, and brothers Randal and Gregory, along with numerous nieces and nephews and a host of close friends.

A lifelong Houstonian, Barnes attended St. Michael's Catholic School and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in 1977. He followed his passion for construction by earning a degree from Texas A&M University in 1981. Upon graduation, Barnes began his professional career in the commercial building industry as a general contractor at Tribble & Stephens. He later joined Griffin Juban to enter commercial real estate development. Barnes formed his own company Arbuckle Builders, LLC, in 1996 focusing initially on commercial build-out and expansion. His keen sense of architecture led the firm into custom home building. His vision for achieving beauty and function earned him several architectural awards in Houston on his first custom home.

Barnes and Susan were married August 29, 1987 having just celebrated their 24th anniversary. Barnes was the quintessential family man and a loving and devoted father to Lesley and Stephen. Barnes taught his children a love of learning and was very involved in their schooling and extracurricular activities at St. Michael's, The Regis School, and Memorial High School. Barnes was very proud of his children's accomplishments, most recently Lesley's progress at Texas Christian University and Stephen's acceptance into Texas A&M University.

Barnes was a self-taught culinary artist and accomplished gourmet chef. He loved to share his creations with his family and friends, becoming the consummate host at family gatherings, holidays, and dinner parties. He enjoyed traveling especially family trips boating on Lake Travis.

Barnes's family would like to thank his many friends for their love and prayers. All are invited to attend a visitation with the family on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024, with a Rosary being recited at 6:00 pm. A celebration of Barnes' life will include a funeral mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056 on Monday September 19, 2011 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations for The Student Life Center at The Regis School, 7330 Westview Drive, Houston, TX 77055 http://www.theregisschool.org/donate.html