Fredrick "Bird" L. Barney Sr.

Fredrick “Bird” L. Barney Sr., 60, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Columbia, MO and East St. Louis, IL, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, in Sanford on Broadway, Fargo.

Fredrick was born January 22, 1962, in Mattson, Mississippi, to Alford and Oramae (Jones) Barney. Known to many as “Bird”, he attended high school at Lincoln Senior High in East St. Louis, IL.  After school, Fredrick enrolled with Job Corp, earning his certificate in welding.   For many years he worked for a steel company in manufacturing and assembly line.

While living in East St. Louis, IL, Bird met the love of his life, Barbara Sims.   They shared five boys and one girl.  Their family moved to Columbia, Missouri, where Fredrick continued his trade for local factories.   He later was employed as a cook for a Golden Corral restaurant.  He loved working at Golden Corral and made many friendships along the way. 

In 2020, Bird moved to Fargo to be closer to his son. 

Fredrick is survived by his children, Fredrick Barney Jr., Derrick Lee Barney, Maxrile Barney, Daphne Barney, Lee Barney, Doronta Barney and Shayla Chapman; three sisters, Warnester Barney, Barbara Carthron and Dorothy Neely; four brothers, Robert Barney, Frank White, Jessie White and Henry White; 19 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition, he is survived by the mother of his children, Barbara Sims; and a special dear friend, John Govan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mae Ora, Floria, Pearlie, Vera, Diane, Erma, Jimme, Dywane, Annette, Gwen, Alford and James.

The Barney family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to relatives, friends, and neighbors for the many comforting messages of sympathy, prayers, acts of kindness, and concern, during the loss of our loved one.  We will cherish these memories forever.

A Private Celebration of Fredrick’s Life will be held at Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)