Joseph Clyde Barnes, Jr.

Heaven got a little “western” Tuesday, January 20th, as Joseph Clyde “Froggy” Barnes made his way through the pearly gates at the ripe old age of 85. He peacefully took his last breath with his wife Janie and daughter Tracy by his side. His valiant battle with cancer is finally over, and pain no longer a constant companion.

Born November 13, 1940, in Dallas, Texas, Froggy was the beloved son of Joseph Clyde Barnes, Sr. (better known as Red Brown) and Anna Lee Jarratt Barnes. Thanks to his musician-entertainer parents, Froggy grew up on the road, meeting legends like Tex Ritter and briefly serving as the youngest band leader for the Texas Playboys when Bob Wills held him as a toddler and handed him his bow.

The family eventually settled in El Paso, where Froggy helped launch live television in the early 1950s, became a local name, and later made his mark as a standout football player at Austin High School (Class of ’58) and Texas Western College (now UTEP).

Froggy’s life took a providential turn into education, where he spent decades shaping young lives across Texas and New Mexico. At Gadsden High School, he started New Mexico’s first high-school Sports Medicine program. Known for his expertise in sports injuries, rehab, and prevention—and his willingness to help anyone from farmers to rodeo athletes—he was equally loved for his affable banter, straight talk, and genuine care for people.

He met his future bride in the fifth grade at Rusk Elementary. That shy classmate from square dance club became his permanent dance partner for more than 61 years, as they kept time through life’s ups and downs with faith and humor.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Janie of San Angelo; children Jim of Pflugerville, Tracy (Todd) Cauthorn, and Joey all of San Angelo; grandson Tyler Gidney of Fort Worth; and a large, lively circle of “adopted” kin including Dee Brennand, Betty Tyree, Tony & Julie Johnson (godson Dylan [Andie and Bode] and Ethan), Andy & Jeanne Rogers (Cole, Polly Matthews [Jake, Rhynlee, and James Cole]), Cory & Leslie Gardner (Morgan, Fallon, Tyley and Westyn).

Froggy lived his life with uncompromising integrity, grounded in faith in Jesus, with deep love for family and friends, and an unshakable belief that laughter is one of God’s best gifts. While we celebrate that he’s healed and whole in Heaven, we’ll do our best to carry on his legacy here —until we meet again, our precious husband, father, grandfather and friend.

A final farewell to Froggy will be held at 10:30 am on January 31st at Grape Creek Baptist Church, with fellowship luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Cowboys for Cancer Research (PO Box 202, Dona Ana, NM 88032) or Grape Creek Baptist Church (9781 North Grape Creek Road, San Angelo, TX, 76901).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8