Don Barnes | |
|---|---|
| Born | W. Don Barnes December 25, 1924 Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Died | March 3, 2011 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, judge |
| Years active | 1949–1992 |
| Known for | Associate Justice and Chief Justice of the Oklahoma State Supreme Court |
Don Barnes (1924–2011) was a long-time attorney and judge in Oklahoma. Born in Tulsa, he first became a judge in 1954, when he was elected superior court judge in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He was given the nickname "The Praying Judge," because he began each court session over which he presided with a prayer. In 1972, Oklahoma Governor David Hall appointed him as an associate justice of the state supreme court. Barnes remained on the court until he retired as chief justice in January 1985.[1]