Bruce Barnes

Bruce Barnes, 81, of Sullivan went to be with the Lord Friday, February 23, 2018.

Bruce followed his passion for his family, his trucking business and later his passion for his unusual hobby…ANTIQUE TOYS & TRUCKS. For over 30 years, you may have seen the big yellow dump trucks of Bruce Barnes Trucking in and around the St. Louis area, including the excavation and trucking during the construction of the famous St. Louis Arch. While running this business, Bruce became passionate about collecting antique toys and trucks and at 52 years old, he sold Bruce Barnes Trucking Company. At 52 years of age, many would have retired, but instead, Bruce pursued his passion for antique toys by opening the Bruce Barnes Antique Toy & Truck Museum in Stanton, MO. His toy and truck collection brought many a tear of joy to visitors reminiscing over toys they remembered from their childhood. Bruce wanted his toy truck collection to continue to bring joy to people after he left us. We hope that you will have a chance to see some of his joy and be inspired by his passion by visiting his remaining toy truck collection at the Midwest Travel Plaza in Cuba, MO.

Bruce was a member of the American Historical Truck Club and The Sullivan Family Worship Center in Sullivan, MO.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr. and Mary Barnes; one brother, Walter Barnes Jr. and his daughter, Gina Barnes.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Barnes of Sullivan; three daughters, Debbie Aitken and husband Dave of Houston, TX, Cheryl Wester and husband Ron of St. Peters and Kitty Barnes of Houston, TX; four grandchildren, David, Diana, Erica and Jaime; other relatives and many friends.