A.C. "Ace" Barnes

A.C. 'Ace' Barnes, 96, of Odessa, died Monday, February 17, 2025, after complications from a broken hip.

He was born October 3, 1928, to A.C. and Lena Barnes in Rockwall, Texas. After high school, he was working in Dallas as a bartender when he met a guy from Rowan Drilling who convinced him to come to West Texas where he met the love of his life, Mary Caroline Purcell, He and Caroline were married in 1954, and celebrated 50 years together- 2 months before she passed away. After Rowan Drilling, Ace worked for Baroid before starting Ace Mud Company with James Paysinger. His favorite job, however, came in 1978 as a "hellfighter" when he became the first employee for "Boots and Coots Oilwell Firefighters and Blowout Specialists" where he remained even after they sold to Haliburton in 2010. He and Coots Matthews became the best of friends. His last "hellfighter" job was at the age of 87 with Stellar Well Control.

He loved the excitement of traveling the world with his friend Coots Mathews but when he wasn't fighting oilwell fires, he loved being with his wife in Red River, New Mexico, and spending time with his Red River friends.

He was a faithful member (and Elder) of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He loved playing golf and won several tournaments. He also loved his early morning breakfasts with his buddies or coffee in the afternoon, in both Odessa and Red River. He loved his time at Odessa Country Club, weekly lunches with Ben Strickling, his friend for over 50 years, and too many hunting and fishing trips to count. He had more friends than he could count and never hesitated to aid them however they might need and was grateful any time someone would come to visit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.C. Barnes, Sr. and Lena Barnes, wife Caroline; sisters Bertha Carr and husband Audrey, Allie Williamson and husband Mims, Ruby Andrew and husband Paul, Mae Townsend and husband Jack and brothers-in-law A.B. Stafford and Milton Bierschwale and sister-in-law Margaret Bierschwale.

Ace is survived by his sister Helen Stafford, his brother-in-law John Purcell and his wife Nita, his children Stephen Barnes and wife Kelly, Deborah McPherson and husband Billy, his grandchildren, Michael Barnes and wife Omega, Alan Barnes and wife Rachel, Jason McPherson and wife Cassie, Kaylie McPherson Kotecki and husband Stephen and great-grandchildren, Austin, Adam, and Gracie Barnes; Jayden and Nick Barnes and Oliver McPherson. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Special thanks to Dr. Kubacak, Home Nursing, and Home Hospice who made the last years a bit easier and to those who cared for him and the good friends and colleagues (Boots & Coots, Cudd, OCC buddies) who made the effort to come visit him and send him cards

In lieu of flowers please make donations to his favorite charity, the Wheeler Peak Fire Department, P.O. Box 427 Red River NM, 87558 or Westminster Presbyterian Church 4901 Maple Ave., Odessa, TX 79762. For an extended version of Ace's obituary or to leave a memory please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/odessa-tx/ace-barnes-12251456.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 24th at Westminster Presbyterian Church after a private burial.