Gerald Alan Barnes

Gerald Alan Barnes, born January 27, 1953, passed away on October 26, 2021, holding the hands of the women he loved - his wife Debbie, and their daughters, Sophie and Lily. A connoisseur of all things beautiful, Gerald viewed beauty as key to the value of life. This appreciation was put to good use in his 40+ year career in the fashion industry. Gerald was a renaissance man: he could prepare a multi-course gourmet dinner; draw a floor plan; and explain a historical event, news story, or investment strategy, all with equal skill and joy. Gerald's career in fashion began at Woodword & Lothrop as a men's buyer where he met Debbie while folding polyester pants. He joined Neiman Marcus in 1983, where he worked for 35 years. He was the President of NeimanMarcus.com and then promoted to Executive Vice President of Merchandising over all Neiman Marcus stores and ecommerce. Gerald retired in 2018 and spent the next three years reading voraciously and pursuing a new passion: golf. He spent most days enjoying the outdoors while walking the full 18 holes. He loved playing and talking with his son-in-law, Larry (often referred to as "Larald") and his brother-in-law, Harry. Gerald w...[more]

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a master chef, though he called himself a cook. He delighted in planning meals, finding the finest ingredients, and matching the perfect wine. He kept all his recipes meticulously recorded and shared them with anyone who asked. Always generous, Gerald was forever holding makeshift cooking classes for friends in the kitchen he designed himself. Debbie and Gerald enjoyed 39 years of marriage - a true partnership filled with deep love and appreciation. When their first daughter Sophie arrived, Gerald was determined to make her into an athlete and a thinker - and he succeeded. He was so proud of her determination and work ethic. Lily and Gerald shared their desire for knowledge, fine taste, and love of teaching each other. In 2004, Gerald converted to Judaism to model commitment to his daughters as they began their Bat Mitzvah training. Gerald's family will forever aspire to his goodness and wisdom, eat well, ask questions, and keep their hand forged knives sharp. Gerald is survived by his wife, Debra Fogel Barnes; his daughters Sophie Pauline Barnes (Dr. Lawrence Kogan) and Lily Claire Barnes; his sisters Barbara Saporito and Margaret Anne Hilliard (Milton Hilliard); his brother-in-law Dr. Harry Fogel (Lei Fogel); and his mother-in-law Susan Fogel Burt. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Gerald's cherished causes: Temple Emanu-El of Dallas, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, or UT Southwestern, where he received outstanding care in his last months of life. A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanu-El of Dallas on Monday, November 1st at 11am. We strongly encourage all joining us in-person to be vaccinated from Covid-19 and will require masks. You can also join the memorial via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83484072219 - Meeting ID: 834 8407 2219