Debra Dene Barnes (Miss America)

Born on September 6, 1947, Debra Barnes grew up in the small town of Moran.  Known simply as Debbie to her family and friends, Barnes was the oldest of two girls born to Mr. and Mrs. Dwight O. Barnes with a younger sister named Barbara.  The Barnes household was a very musical home, as both of Debra's parents participated in the music at the Moran Methodist Church.

When she was about 9 years of age, Debra and her sister were told by her parents that their mother had multiple sclerosis and that they would have to do more for themselves from then on. The lesson of self-reliance was one that would stay with her. With her impressive skills at the piano, Debra took over her mother's piano teaching responsibilities when her illness no longer allowed her to continue them.  At the age of 12, Debra was already teaching around 40 pupils the art of playing the piano.

With drive and determination, Debra was an active student throughout high school. She became a cheerleader in high school and was chosen as homecoming queen during her junior year. Upon her graduation, Debra decided to attend the Kansas State College at Pittsburg to study music.

In 1967 Debra first won the Miss Pittsburg State contest and then entered into the Miss Kansas Pageant with hopes that the contests scholarship money might help with her schooling in music. With her outstanding musical abilities and natural beauty, she was the preliminary winner in the talent and swimsuit divisions and became the first Allen County girl ever to win Miss Kansas.

On September 9, 1967, Debbie Barnes won the coveted crown of Miss America in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the age of 20. Her skillful piano performance of the song "Born Free" was noted as a highlight of the Pageant.  Throughout her reign as Miss America, Barnes was noted for her small-town sensibilities and for the responsibility and confidence she showed, lessons she attributed to her parents and religious faith.

After her year as Miss America, Debbie Barnes continued her studies in music at Pittsburg. Today, she is pastor in a non-denominational church in Carthage, Missouri. She also teaches music classes at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin.