Body Found In Bay Identified As Former Tate High Student

January 14, 2014

A body found in Choctawhatchee Bay on Christmas Day has been positively identified as a former Cantonment resident.

A  cause of death has not yet been determined for  20-year old Levi Alfred Waltene Barnes, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.  But police currently do not suspect foul play or suicide, saying they currently believe his death to be accidental.

He was last seen December 14.

Barnes attended Tate High School where he was active in the JRTOC program. He is a former resident of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Cantonment.

Comments

10 Responses to “Body Found In Bay Identified As Former Tate High Student”

  1. Caleb Brausch on January 16th, 2014 6:01 pm

    He was one of my greatest and truest friends. He accepted everyone with open arms and loved them no matter their past. I knew him since our sophomore year back in high school, and my heart is heavy because we lost him so early in his life. Rest in Peace brother. I’ll always remember you in my heart, I love you, man.

  2. Ellaura on January 16th, 2014 9:12 am

    I am Levi’s big sister, and I am here to let you know that his memorial starts at 1 pm Friday at Olive Baptist Church. Feel free to come if Levi ever meant anything to you as a friend.

  3. Meghann on January 15th, 2014 7:28 pm

    You are such a great guy! I miss you soo much! You made everyday of my junior year so much better and you always had my back. Rest in peace Levi. You will be greatly missed!

  4. Daniel Hanson on January 14th, 2014 3:48 pm

    Ive Only Knew You For Bout 4 Months…. But You were Like a Brother to me… I Miss Yah and Iit Hurts… Not Seeing You Here Everyday! :’(

  5. Sandy on January 14th, 2014 3:03 pm

    So sorry to hear someone some young died. My nephew knew him form Tate. I hope he did have some family. If not let’s step up as a community and make sure he gets a proper burial.

  6. Destiny on January 14th, 2014 10:51 am

    I’m going to miss you Levi you’re a great friend and a great brother love you and miss you r.i.p Levi!!!! :’(

  7. gene on January 14th, 2014 9:32 am

    His Sister posted on Levi & her FB page funeral service @ Olive Baptist Friday @ 2pm with a visitation time starting @ 1pm one hour prior to the service.

  8. RB on January 14th, 2014 6:58 am

    Levi was a good friend, and very close before he left Tate. I was out of contact with him for about a year, and had planned to meet up with him when I came home this February to talk about Religion and beliefs. Levi was the person to come to if you had doubts or fears, he never judged and he’d gladly listen. He inspired me more than I used to want to admit. I was always competitive with him, and we bet who would get what rank first in JROTC.

    I can remember at lunch, we used to do this thing where we’d make the “okay” symbol with our hands, turn them upside down and place them over our eyes. We’d try to get people, and they’d have to lay on their back and go “Caca Caca Caca” like a bird. Levi was a goof about it, he didn’t care where he was, he’d do it, and laughed as we were on the floor in tears. Even at lunch, he’d get up and flex to make the girls over the other table swoon. We had a good laugh, and I remember threatening him for taking my cheese sticks, saying: “I’m going to punch you, man” he’d always laugh and punch me back when I socked his arm.

    It’s sad to see a man like Levi go, someone who was sturdy in his beliefs and ever sturdier as a friend. I’ll miss you buddy, and may your body find solace as its returned to our loving Mother Earth, and your soul rest in peace as you embrace your Father. I’ll see you one day. And you better have my $2.50, haha.

  9. Sad on January 14th, 2014 6:48 am

    So sad to see a fellow aggie pass away! Rest easy Levi

  10. 429SCJ on January 14th, 2014 5:07 am

    Sad to see a young person loose their life at such an early age.

    My church is a supporter of the great works of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home and I wonder if Mr. Barns has any family.

    William if you hear of a funeral date or other details, please inform us.