William A. “Bill” Barnes, age 93, longtime resident of Plainfield, IL.

William A. “Bill” Barnes

September 8, 1931 – March 14, 2025

William A. “Bill” Barnes, age 93, born in Joliet, IL to William Andrew Barnes and Ida Cassie (nee Hood) Barnes, passed away peacefully at home in Plainfield, IL on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Bill grew up in Troy, IL (now Shorewood) and often delighted in telling stories of his time at a one-room schoolhouse and life along the river. After three years at Joliet Township High School, he graduated from Minooka High School.

In his early years in Plainfield, Bill worked as a lifeguard at Legion Lake, where he met the love of his life, Barbara George. He later worked as a meter reader for Public Service/ComEd. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. After returning home in 1954, he married Barbara, his lifelong partner.

Bill resumed his career at Public Service as a Lineman and a Troubleman, eventually rising to Superintendent of Division Services before retiring after 39½ years with ComEd.

This year, Bill and Barbara celebrated 70 years of marriage—a milestone that reflected their deep love and partnership. Together, they were active and charter members of Plymouth Congregational Church, Plainfield, where Bill served faithfully as a Trustee, a delegate to the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, chairman of the NACCC Financial board, and played a key role in church growth, including the building addition.

Bill also devoted much of his life to the Plainfield Fire Protection District. Beginning as a volunteer firefighter in 1955, he later served as a Trustee for many years, helping guide the district through a period of rapid growth, particularly following the 1990 tornado. His efforts were instrumental in the expansion of the Plainfield Fire Headquarters and the construction of WesCom. In January, he was honored for his decades of dedicated service.

Bill is survived by his beloved children, Beverly Barnes and Dr. Bradley (Becky) Barnes; his cherished grandchildren, Abby (Mitchell) Wallin, Spencer Wysocki (Tim Claxton), Ethan (Macey) Barnes, and Bailey (Tyler) Hunt; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Eleanor Hunt, Everhett Hunt, Isla Wallin, Brady Barnes, and Brooks Wallin. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Barbara George Barnes; his parents, William and Ida Hood-Barnes-Meyer; his stepfather, Earl Meyer; his brother, Paul Barnes; and his sisters, Mary Jane Beguin, Margaret (Peggy) Rice, and Carolyn Stafford.

Known for his leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication, Bill lived a life of service to his family and community. He was always ready to lend a hand or offer a thoughtful solution. He especially loved sharing stories from his 93 years, often over cocktails, appetizers, and something hot off the grill.

Although Bill is no longer with us, his legacy and the love he shared will continue to live on in all who were lucky enough to know him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Rd. (corner of Routes 30 & 59), Plainfield, IL 60544.

A special tribute by the Plainfield Fire Department will take place on Friday at 6:00 PM.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, followed by a luncheon.

Future Inurnment: Plainfield Township Cemetery, Plainfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the PFPD Foundation, 23748 W. 135th St., Plainfield, IL 60544, (815) 436-5335, https://www.plainfieldfpd.org/... and Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431-8313, (815) 740-4104, https://www.lightways.org

For more information, please visit www.overman-jones.com or call (815) 436-9221.