Lt Colonel Dr. Hollis E. Barnes Wellness Center

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Hollis E. Barnes was born on June 28, 1941, in McComb, Mississippi, to Edward and Mosea Lee Barnes. As the eldest son of seven children, Hollis was a guiding figure for his siblings—Dorothy Hill, Norma Webb, Ora Troxler of Sacramento, Adliah Barnes, and the late Ellis and Edward Barnes. His enduring legacy continues through his former wife, LaVerne, his cherished grandchildren—Hollis, Travon, Imani, Makhi, and Pearl, and the memories of his sons, William and Eugene, who have sadly passed. Raised in Oroville, California, Hollis excelled in academics and sports at Oroville High School. Demonstrating an early commitment to personal growth, he worked diligently during the grueling hot Oroville summers in the agricultural fields to fund his college education. This foundational dedication led him to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from California State University, Chico, followed by a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

He heeded the call from his country and served as a Viet Nam war veteran, as a active duty Lieutenant in the United States Army and was deployed to Saigon Viet Nam, an area which saw some of the heaviest combat during Vietnam War.

After completing his dedicated service in active duty, Hollis embarked on a remarkable journey through the military hierarchy, progressively attaining the esteemed ranks of Captain, Major, and ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a master's in social Welfare, he channeled his profound expertise into addressing vital social issues within the military framework. His focus was particularly drawn towards enhancing mental health support, developing robust rehabilitation programs, and expanding social work services to cater to the well-being of military personnel and their families.

As an executive officer, Hollis played a pivotal role in steering research and policy-making processes aimed at significantly improving social welfare programs on a global scale. His main tour of duty, situated in the historic city of Ulm, Germany, became the backdrop for his influential contributions. There, he worked tirelessly to foster environments that supported the psychological and social health of those who serve and their loved ones, leaving a lasting impact that transcended borders and military ranks.

Upon retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Hollis moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, and decided to fulfill his lifelong dream of practicing law. At the age of 59, he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oregon, embarking on a new chapter of advocacy and service. In Klamath Falls, he dedicated his legal career to representing the disenfranchised, with a significant focus on the Native American population—a community historically entangled in complex relations with the U.S. military.   

Hollis was a man who wore many hats and touched so many lives, he wasn’t just a son, but a beacon of love and light to his parents. His siblings looked up to you as an example of strength and compassion. 

As a husband, he was a partner and a confidant, always there to support and uplift his spouse. As a father, he was a pillar of guidance and wisdom, shaping the lives of his children with care and devotion. His grandchildren looked to him with admiration and fondness, grateful for the love and stories he shared with them. 

His role as a soldier was one of bravery and sacrifice, serving our country with honor and dignity. As a social worker, lawyer, and counselor, he dedicated his life to helping others, advocating for justice and equality for all. And as a friend, he was a source of laughter, companionship, and understanding, and where he offered a listening ear and a comforting presence to those in need, always ready to lend a helping hand. 

Through this Wellness Center, his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew you but equally as important by the lives that will helped a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning. He has touched so many lives and through the Lt. Colonel Dr. Hollis E. Barnes Wellness Center his impact will never be forgotten.Top of Form

 At the Lt. Dr. Hollis E. Barnes Wellness Center, you are not just a patient or a client – you are a valued and respected individual on your journey towards wellness. Here, you will find the support, guidance, and tools you need to heal your mind, nurture your spirit, and thrive in a world that can often feel overwhelming.