CLIFFORD BILLY BARNES

Posted by / In Independent Register, Obituaries /

Clifford Billy “Bill” Barnes passed peacefully due to natural causes surrounded by family on May 24, 2023.  Bill was born to Clifford and Marion (Porch) Barnes on February 24,1938 in Aurora, IL.  He graduated from Plano, IL high school in 1956.  He was senior class president and active in sports.  After high school he joined the US Army and served 2 years active duty and 6 years in the reserves before being honorably discharged.  While in the Army he met the love of his life Sandra Stemler.  They were married in 1959.  Three children were born to this union, Billy, Janesville, Lori, Gillette, WY, and Pamela, Brodhead.  After his wife of 36 years passed he married a friend of many years, Bonnie Krajeck.  They have been together for 25 years.

Bill had a love for horses since he was a young boy.  He owned several over the years with one of his favorites being Tardy, who lived to be 37 1/2 years old.  Bill also loved restoring antique tractors, especially Allis Chalmers.  He was an avid bowler and enjoyed socializing with friends.  He enjoyed playing softball. For many years Bill was a farmer and carpenter and then installed overhead door garage doors until retiring in 1997 when he and Bonnie moved to MO. They lived there 19 years before moving back to Brodhead to be closer to family.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his son Billy and daughters Lori and Pamela (Tim Schwartzlow), 9 grandchildren, April (Drew) Ryan, Joe Barnes, Ambre Barnes, Ryan Walenton, Jenny Tobin, Gina (Justin) Hadley, Brett (Shantell) Brandenburg, Brenley Jones, Jalynn Jones.  Great grandchildren Aubrey, Alyssa, Bridger and a great granddaughter on the way and several nieces and nephews.  Also a very good friend Everett Fowler.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sandra, parents Clifford Barnes and Marion Tobin, his siblings Pollyanna and Sally.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace Hospice Care for their care.

A private service will be held at the Avon Cemetery.  Pastor Cal Schaver will officiate.  The DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family.