Donovan "D" Royal Barnes, the man whose laughter was as infectious as his passion for the great outdoors, took his final bow on November 26, 2024, in Allegan, MI, after a spirited battle with cancer. Born in the heart of Plainwell, MI, on May 11, 1973, D's journey was one marked by joy, adventure, and an unshakable faith that guided him through life's thick and thin.

D was the kind of guy who could light up a room with his smile and keep it bright with his humor. He graduated from Allegan High in the class of '92 before revving up his career as a Motorcycle Mechanic from MMI. D's hands were skilled, and his heart was even bigger. He spent many dedicated years at AMFCO and clucked along for another eight at Michigan Turkey, showing us all that a strong work ethic and a good laugh could go hand in hand.

Family was the engine of D's life, with his beloved wife, Candy Barnes (Stankey), steering their journey together. His father, Terry Barnes, and brother, Dion Barnes, rode shotgun, while his stepsons, Dakota and Hunter Mead, ensured the adventure never ran out of gas. Though his mother, Mary Barnes (Bass), and his brother, Baby Barnes, had taken the exit ramp to heaven before him, their memories fueled his spirit every day. And let's not forget the convoy of aunts, uncles, and cousins who added color and cheer to his life's road trip.

As an avid hunter and fisher, D knew the best stories were like fish tales—only as good as the laughs they got. He was a master at spinning yarns that could reel you in and leave you gasping for air in laughter. The outdoors was his comedy club, where the trees were the audience, and the rivers provided the applause.

But it wasn't all about the catch or the kill; D knew that the best part of any game was the camaraderie. He was the king of card games and pool halls, where his hugs were considered the grand prize—better than any trophy fish or buck. And those hugs were no joke, unless you count the times he'd pretend to squeeze the daylight out of you, leaving you to playfully gasp for mercy.

His love for God was as evident as his love for a good punchline. D never missed a chance to share his faith, often reminding us that "the man upstairs must have a pretty good sense of humor, too." He lived his life as a testament to the joy and strength found in belief, and his faith-filled nature was as inspiring as it was unwavering.

Describing D as loving, kind, and faith-filled only scratches the surface. His humor was a beacon for those who knew him, and he often joked that he wanted to meet the guy who put the "fun" in "funeral." In the spirit of D's humor, we recall the words of the late, great Robin Williams: "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." D never lost his spark, not even in the face of life's toughest challenges.

As we say our goodbyes, let's not dwell in sadness. Instead, let's honor D by living as he did—with a hearty laugh, a generous spirit, and a fishing pole always at the ready. Donovan Royal Barnes may have left the stage, but his punchlines and the love he shared with us will echo in our hearts forever. So here's to D, a man who taught us that the most important things in life aren't things at all, but the moments we share and the laughter that lingers in the air long after we've said, "See you later."