Visitation Information

William M Barnes, "Bill"

Passed away on August 30, 2026

William “Bill” Moodey Barnes beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. He was 72 years old.

Born on December 15, 1953, Bill grew up in Muncie, Indiana, graduating from Burris Laboratory School (Class of ‘72). He attended Purdue University, joined Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and met the love of his life, Kathleen (“Kathy”), after getting her attention in finance class. Married for 48 adventure-filled years, their life together took them across the country, with Bill’s career leading their family to Chicago, IL, Eden Prairie, MN, Westlake, OH, Columbia, MD, and ultimately St. John, IN, where he retired in 2020.

Bill built a distinguished career helping businesses and manufacturers grow and innovate. He began as a consultant at Arthur Anderson before transitioning to Program Director for Waterpro and Unisys. However, his greatest passion was advocating for local and regional manufacturing development and success, first as the Vice President of Productivity & Innovation for Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, then later running similar programs for the University of Maryland and the Purdue Research Foundation. Bill’s expertise and guidance were highly valued, and he was invited to speaking engagements that took him around the world including Mauritius, China, and Australia. He continued to give back to his community until retirement, serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce beginning in 2017.

For all of his professional accomplishments, Bill’s greatest pride was his family and the life he shared with them. He was a devoted husband and father who supported and encouraged his children endlessly — coaching soccer teams, cheering at every music performance, and later taking pride in their professional successes. He was adored by his grandchildren, who cherished his playful sense of humor and the joy he brought into their lives - teaching them to drive the pontoon boat from the safety of his lap, making The Night Before Christmas come alive every Christmas Eve with his exceptional narration, and keeping them laughing with his relentless love of tickling.

Bill loved spending his summers at the family cottage on Klinger Lake in Michigan, which held a special place in his heart. As a child, Bill’s grandfather would fly him there, sparking a love of aviation that would inspire him to earn his own pilot’s license. Bill loved to golf and boat and served for a time as Commodore of the Klinger Lake Yacht Club. For many years, he and Kathy enjoyed sailing together and won countless Sunday sailboat races.

A lifelong history enthusiast, Bill had a particular fascination with the Civil War and World War II. He was also deeply interested in his own genealogy and had recently completed a detailed family history. He was especially proud to have been accepted as a Son of the American Revolution.

Faith was an important part of Bill’s life and he was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Parish.

A kid at heart, Bill loved to zip around in the “Batboat” or cannon ball too close to the sunbathers. He loved engineering solutions and fixing things and always had the right tool to lend you for the job. Underneath a sometimes tough exterior he had a soft heart, especially for his beloved dog, Maddie. He had the warmest, biggest laugh that filled a room and made it impossible not to laugh with him.

William is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; his children, Julia (Seth), Elizabeth (John), and William (Jesse); his grandchildren, Samuel, Benjamin, and Milo; and his siblings, Anne, John (Luci), and David (Frances). He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, September 10 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Chapel, 11300 W. 97th Ln., St. John, IN 46373.  Funeral Services Friday, September 11, 2026 with prayers at 9:30 am at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel to St. John the Evangelist Church 10701 Olcott, St. John, IN. for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 W. 111th St., Alsip, IL 60803. For more information 219-365-3474