William E. Barnes, 89, of Flandreau and formerly of Joliet, Ill., died Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Funeral services and burial will be held in Joliet, Ill.
William was born Feb. 13, 1928, in Joliet, Ill., to Herbert and Nina Barnes. He received his education in Joliet and as a young man joined the Merchant Marines and then in 1943 entered the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Bill served on the USS Bunker Hill as a Seaman First Class until his discharge. Bill married Lois Wason in 1950 and she died in 1983. He married Jenny Couch and she has preceded him in death. Bill worked at Rich’s General Maintenance, Barnes Robbess Removal, MaryCrest Shopping Center, Syl’s Restaurant, Wilhelmi Paving, Teamsters Union, 150 Operating Engineers and Yankees Equipment Repair Services. Bill was inducted into the Race Car Hall of Fame at Grundy County Speedway in 2005, drove in UARA and USAC under Bill Knight, Bill Beam and Bill Barnes and enjoyed fishing, boating and traveling.
Bill is survived by three children, William Jr. (Pam) of Fort Worth, Texas, Sue (Jim) Pitsenberger of Flandreau and David (Missy) of Woodridge, Ill.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two special nephews, John and Art Wason and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Lois and Jenny; son Larry; two brothers, Rich and Herb and one sister Dorothy.
For online condolences, visit www.skrochfc.com.
