William D. (Bill) Barnes, 96 of Decatur, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, in his home surrounded by his children. Bill was born in Harristown, Illinois on February 12, 1929, the second oldest child of 14, and the oldest son, to John and Margaret (Albers) Barnes. Services will be at First Christian Church of Decatur at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025. The family will greet friends and family for an hour before the service.

At 17 Bill received permission from his parents to enlist in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served from 1946 to 1948. After his honorable discharge he married Marie Evelyn Moats on October 8, 1949. Their first child, Glenna Marie English, was born in November 1951. They moved to Uravan, Colorado in 1951 where Bill advanced to Lead Maintenance Mechanic for Union Carbide Corporation’s (UCC) Uranium processing facility. Bill excelled in his positions for UCC and gained recognition, including letters of commendation from his superiors. He was a founding member of the Nulca, Colorado Veteran of Foreign Wars post. He also held several offices with the United Mine Workers local chapter. While in Colorado Bill and Marie added three more children, Leslie Jayne (David) West in January 1953, Rhonda Kay (Jeff) Hott in February 1954, and William David (Luann) Barnes, Jr. in March 1955.

In 1963, they returned to Decatur to live closer to family. Bill began working for Superior Welding Company as a laborer soon after, he quickly advanced within the company, serving as lead fabricator, foreman, Night Superintendent, and ending his career as Purchasing Director.

Around 1980, Jesus Christ became real in Bill’s life. As his life was transformed, he applied the same drive, determination, and problem-solving skills that drove him to excel in his career to his spiritual life. Friends, family, and churches benefited from Bill’s deep desire to serve and his Energizer Bunny energy.

In 2017, Bill met Minnie Strahle, the second great love of his life. They gave deep love and fulfilling companionship to each other for the remainder of his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, parents, siblings Mary Highley, Bob Barnes, Delores (Ruth) Hauck, twins Barb Mansfield and Beverly Carter, Phyllis Younker, Nancy Brennan, Diane Smith, and Patricia Blankenship. He is survived by his four children, his brothers Jack, Rick, Kent, and Ron, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Bill’s life was full and well lived. His days were spent with friends and loved ones until the day he crossed the bright divide.

Memorials to West Decatur Church of God and First Christian Church of Decatur are requested in lieu of flowers.