William C. Barnes

Willam C. Barnes, age 96, died on August 1, 2024, in Youngstown, Ohio.

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1927 to Helen and Alfred Barnes. He graduated

from South High School in 1945 and was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after

graduation. He served stateside in the MPs from 1945 – 1947 and then in the inactive

Army reserves until 1950 with the rank of Sergeant.

He attended Wheaton College (Wheaton Ill.) and graduated from Youngstown College,

now Youngstown State University, and began his teaching career in the Youngstown

school system teaching at Hayes Jr. High and then for 25 years at Chaney High School,

teaching all three levels of Biology. During that time, he earned Masters’ Degrees from

Ohio State and Syracuse University. He retired in 1987. He was a Martha Holden

Jennings Scholar at Kent State University from 1984 – 1985.

His wife, Ruth Jones Barnes, predeceased him in 2004 following 54 wonderful years of

marriage. His parents and four brothers, Howard, Floyd, Paul, and Walter, predeceased

him. His daughter Barbara also predeceased him.

He leaves behind three children: Phillip (Jan) of Colorado, William R. (Jane) of

Colorado, Judith (Brian) of California, and granddaughters Julia (Max) and Jessica.

Bill loved the outdoors and spent many days of family camping and traveling in the

family’s trailer in various parts of the U.S. and Canada. He also traveled to Alaska,

Hawaii, and Australia. His hobbies of woodworking and photography continued into his

retirement years.

Mr. Barnes was a long time member of the Youngstown Gospel Hall Brethren Church

where he was an Elder, taught youth and adult classes,, and preached the Gospel

Services at times. More recently he was a member and Elder at Old North Church,

Canfield, Ohio

Calling hours will be at Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield on Monday,

August 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Memorial service will be at Old North Church on Tuesday, August 6 at 11 a.m. The service will be live streamed and recorded for those unable to attend. Streaming can be found at Oldnorthchurch.org .

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Old North Church, (7105 Herbert Rd.

Canfield, OH 44406) or to Gideons International, (P.O. Box 5513 Poland, OH 44514) or

the charity of your choice.

A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Burkert, the staff at Poland Village Assisted Living,

and Akeso Home Hospice.