22 April 1921 – 7 July 2020
Bill passed away at McKenzie Place two months after his ninety-ninth birthday. He had a decorated Air Force Career starting with 41 combat missions as a bombardier in WWII. During the Korean War he flew B-29’s and later commanded an aircraft maintenance squadron. Among his other assignments was maintenance management in Japan, Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs, where he worked on the deployment of the BOMARC missile and his final assignment was with Headquarters, Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs. Following his retirement, he was an engineer with the Boeing Company in Seattle, WA and a realtor with Walker & Co. in Colorado Springs.
Bill married Claire Kocian in 1946 and they had two twin daughters, Nancy, and Jane. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claire and daughter, Jane. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Schaffel, her husband, Bill; and grandson, Alexander of New York City.
Bill enjoyed handball, golf, where he was a member of ORBS, and skiing. He was a friend and gentleman to all he met and was an example of what a man should be.
Steve Young
12 Jul 2020The Buckley AFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our condolences and our gratitude for Col Barnes’ service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), etc you can contact our office on Buckley AFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley AFB RAO
Anonymous
15 Jul 2020We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Bill Barnes. He was a genuine person, neighbor and friend. We consider ourselves truly blessed to have been touched by his life and presence.
Alice Michaelis
Mary Grace Kennedy
16 Jul 2020We were blessed to have had Bill in out lives. He was part of our family and all of us were lucky to have known him. My grandson loved to listen to his stories about being a bombardier in WWII! He will be missed.