Dr. H. Verdain Barnes

BARNES, H. Verdain, M.D., age 83, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019 in Dayton, Ohio. Verdain was born in Borger, Texas in 1935 to Herman and June (Mays) Barnes. He graduated from Phillips High School in Phillips, Texas and received a B.A. from McMurry College in Abilene, Texas in 1958, a Master of Divinity from Yale University in 1961, and an M. D. from Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee in 1965. From 1965 to 1972, he served in post-graduate education positions, including a fellowship in Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism and Chief Resident of Medicine while at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He had a passion for the field of Medicine and the innovative paths it led him during his distinguished career.

In addition to serving his country in the United States Army, as a Colonel,
Dr. Barnes held numerous academic appointments throughout his life. He was Professor of Internal Medicine at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and served as Chairman and Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, and Eastern Virginia Medical College in Norfolk, Virginia. He became a Diplomat in the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1976 and held many professional affiliations in the areas of Clinical Research, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Internal Medicine. He published over 20 papers, 15 books and chapters, 25 abstracts and other special presentations. He participated as a Visiting Professor and Guest Lecturer in many institutions of higher learning. He was the inaugural Editor in Chief of the Journal of Adolescent Health Care and served as President of the Society of Adolescent Medicine in their early years.

He was a pioneer in many of his teaching endeavors, especially in the area of evidenced-based medicine, being acclaimed by the American College of Physicians as a “Master of Medicine”. He served as a mentor, scholar, motivator, teacher, and counselor to many medical students, residents and fellows he encountered throughout his lengthy career. He encouraged them by example to become compassionate teachers and physicians. He acknowledged those around him who supported him both personally and professionally. As a clinician, he was always looking for that method or procedure to improve the quality of life for his patients.

He will fondly be remembered for his creative nicknames given to most of his staff as a testament to his witty and keen sense of humor. His prescription for life was to be mischievous, humorous, kind and generous.

Verdain was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce Elaine (Gound); children, Brad Barnes of NY, Brendie (Robert) Mitchell of TN, Brannon (Carolyn) Barnes of VA, Shari (Kevin) Knight of Springboro, OH; grandchildren, Shae, Parris, Jake, Davis, Brady, Gabby, Joseph, Stephanie, and Michael.
A special thank you to the staff at Oak Creek Terrace for their love and care of Verdain.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 20 at Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Rd., Centerville, OH 45429. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 pm; Service at 2:00 pm with a reception to follow at 3:00 pm


In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 8604 Allisonville Road, Suite 140, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46250. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com.