Deacon William J. Barnes

Deacon William J. Barnes

February 14, 1940 – September 30, 2019

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 6th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  VISITATION Monday, October 7th from 9:30am to 10:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Drive, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30am.  Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

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William James Barnes, age 79, passed away on September 30, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer.  Born on February 14, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was a Valentine’s baby (his mother was thrilled!).  Bill attended Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.  Choosing the field of Pharmacy for his professional life, he came in 1958 to Creighton University in Omaha, where he met on a blind date the love of his life, Virginia Johnson.  They knew after that first date (at the young ages of 17 and 18) they were meant to be together.

During his career, he was a pharmacist at Clarkson Hospital and University of Nebraska Medical Center, both in Omaha; Barnes Family Pharmacy in Waterloo, NE; Barnes Skyline Pharmacy in Elkhorn, NE; and Omaha Veterans Home.  He retired in August of 2005.

Bill and Virginia raised five beautiful and extraordinary children.  Over the years Bill found time to volunteer as a big brother with Big Brothers Association. A volunteer at the Nebraska Humane Society, Bill was also a member of the Volunteer Elkhorn Fire and Rescue Squad for ten years, a member of Phi Delta Chi Fraternity, and Knights of Columbus.

In 1997 Bill was ordained a Catholic Deacon, serving for 20 years at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Omaha under Pastor Dennis Hanneman and Pastor Dan Kampschneider.  With a heart for whose who mourn, Bill served at many funerals, wake services, and burials.  He also served as Deacon for Monsignor Peter Dunne at Boys Town.

Bill was a gentle man who loved his family dearly.  He also enjoyed being with his grandchildren, whom he had the privilege of baptizing.  Bill had an amazing sense of humor with impeccable timing that seemed always on point.  Bill was a great animal lover, and in his retirement, he enjoyed fishing, gardening and reading, and even attempted woodworking.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ann (Martins) Barnes; infant brother, Thomas Barnes; grandchildren, Annabelle Bench and Ashley Barnes.  He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Virginia; son, Daniel (Sherry) of San Antonio, Texas and their children, William and Zachary; daughter, Mary Koenig (Doug) of Lincoln, NE and their children, Moira, Kirnan, Tatiana, Christiona, Aleena, and Josephina; daughter, Theresa Bench of Omaha and her children, Samuel and Seth; daughter, Anne Bradehorst (Joel) of Omaha and their children, Ethan, Tyler, Krysta, and Caitlan; and daughter Barbara Perez of Columbus, Georgia and her son Gabriel.  He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Terry Scholl of Camdenton, Missouri; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank Parson’s House, CHI Hospice team, Care Consultants, and Josie Harper Hospice House, all of whom provided kind and gentle care for which the family is very grateful.

 

4 Comments

  • Ann Posted October 1, 2019 3:33 am

    “The span of one’s life is 70 or 80 if because of special mightiness”. (Psalms 90:10a) Still, life seems too short since God has put eternity into our hearts. (Ecclesiastics 3:11) May all find comfort in the promise that God keeps us in his memory until the day when Jesus calls all to a resurrection of life on a peaceful new earth. (John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15, Psalm 37:11) My condolences to the family.

  • David Clayton Posted October 1, 2019 1:32 pm

    I want to send my Prayers to Virgina and all the family in this
    Time of Loss of thier Love One Bill I was very Heart Broken
    And Sad but I know Bill is not suffering and God has recieved another Angel. Bill worked for me at No Frills in the Deli and he was a No#1
    Employee happy go lucky always done what needed to be done and customers were his main focus I will hold Bill close to my heart
    And will never forget him My PRAYERS are with you all

    REST IN PEACE BILL

  • Sheila Miller Posted October 1, 2019 2:58 pm

    Virginia and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Hoping many wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time.

  • Ann Hacker Posted October 2, 2019 2:36 pm

    My love and prayers are with you

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