Eldon “Gus” Barnes, a dedicated educator, coach, and loving family man, passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 92. Gus was born on June 14, 1932, and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from March 1951 to November 1954. He was married to Susan Mongold on August 6, 1960, and together they raised a beautiful family.
Gus had a distinguished career in education, starting as a teacher in 1956 in Big Stone City, SD, and continued to teach in Chancellor (1958-1963), Hartford (1963-1967), and Marietta, MN (1967-1968). In 1968, he returned to South Dakota, where he spent many years as an educator and principal in Flandreau, SD, retiring in 1989. From 1992 to 1993, he also served as the Athletic Director in Flandreau.
A legendary coach, Gus was known for his passion for track and field and cross country. His coaching achievements include winning three state track titles (1972, 1973, 1974), and being named Boy’s Track Coach of the Year in 1973-74 and Coach of the Year in 1974-75. He was inducted into the South Dakota High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in June 1997 and the South Dakota Cross Country and Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2017. Gus was honored with a 25-year coaching award in 1987, and he was inducted into the Flandreau Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. His legacy lives on in the countless students and athletes whose lives he touched.
Gus is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, and their children: Craig (Julie) Barnes of Sioux Falls, SD; Jeff (Stacy) Barnes of Rapid City, SD; Bob (Rhonda) Barnes of Groton, SD; and Beth (Renner) Barnes of Britton, SD. He was a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
In his retirement, Gus continued to enjoy his love of sports, always watching and supporting athletic events; a passion that had been with him throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Memorials may be made to the Flandreau Flier Booster Club in honor of Gus’ lifelong commitment to education and sports.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Flandreau, SD. Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD. Burial will take place at a later date.
