Leland "Lee" Edward Barnes , age 73 of Bloomington, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at his home surrounded by love after an extended illness. Lee was born February 25, 1952 at Mercy Hospital in Elwood, the son of Bud L. and Frances Catherine (Wetzel) Barnes. He was a 1970 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. Lee was baptized at a young age and his faith remained a cornerstone of his life.

Lee was a man who truly loved life and threw himself wholeheartedly into everything he did. His passion for hard work defined his remarkable 40-year career as a plant manager for Finzer Roller Company, where he poured his energy and dedication into every project until his retirement in 2025. One of his greatest professional achievements was opening and starting up plants across multiple states. His favorite assignment took him to Florida, where his love of hard work perfectly complemented his zest for life—he would spend his days building something meaningful and his evenings soaking in the beauty of the beach and the peaceful rhythm of the ocean waves.

Lee embraced every moment with enthusiasm and joy. He married Tracey Perez on July 5, 1986 and together they built a vibrant life filled with love and adventure until her passing in 2024. Lee's love of life showed in everything he enjoyed—cheering passionately for his beloved Indiana Hoosiers and Chicago Bears, caring devotedly for his loyal German Shepherd companion Elsie, and connecting warmly with everyone he met. His tireless work ethic was matched only by his generous spirit and his gift for bringing people together. Lee lived fully, worked hard, and loved deeply.

Lee is survived by his daughter, April Wittebort (Curtis Sparks) of Bloomington; brother, Michael (Sherry) Barnes of Ringgold, PA; sister, Patricia (Richard) Schwalm of Middletown; 4 grandchildren, Van Huening, Finnegan Lee Huening, Olivia Scott, and Hazel Scott; sister-in-law, Jamie Walsh of Elwood; nieces and nephew, Sarah (Fred) Wittekind, Mary Alice Shodipo, Nick (Amber) Schwalm, Lucas Ricks, Jasmine Ricks, and Jessica Ricks; and a host of extended family members and friends.  Lee is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Tracey Barnes.

A memorial service celebrating Lee's life will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating.  A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 pm prior to the service on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the funeral home.  Online condolences and stories may be shared with the Barnes family at copherfeslermay.com.