Martin William Barnes

Martin William Barnes, affectionately known as Marty, passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 88.

Marty was born on June 17, 1937, in Springfield, Missouri, to Guy William Barnes and Evelyn Louise Barnes (Martin). He spent more than four decades living in the Honolulu area, where he built a life marked by intellectual curiosity, lifelong learning, and appreciation for the people and places around him.

Possessing an exceptionally inquisitive mind, Marty was a devoted self-learner who mastered several challenging subjects through independent study. Among his many accomplishments were attaining proficiency in both Japanese and Korean languages and developing a deep understanding of computer science. He approached learning not as a task, but as a lifelong adventure.

In his younger years, Marty was a gifted baseball pitcher whose talent drew admiration from teammates and competitors alike. Had his college baseball career not been interrupted, those who knew him believed he might have had the opportunity to pursue a career in Major League Baseball.

Marty also found great joy in the simple routines of daily life. He loved visiting shopping malls throughout the Honolulu area, where over the years he became a familiar face and formed friendships with many local shop owners and merchants. His warm presence, curiosity, and willingness to strike up a conversation left lasting impressions on those he met.

He is survived by his three sons: Jeffrey Boone, Scott Boone, and Brian Boone.

In accordance with his wishes, Marty's ashes were scattered in a natural area outside Honolulu that he cherished. There, surrounded by the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape he loved so much, his memory lives on in the winds, the trees, and the peaceful vistas that never ceased to inspire his sense of wonder.

Marty will be remembered for his sharp intellect, his love of learning, his appreciation of nature, and the many connections he made throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.