William Barnes

William S. Barnes of Downsville, NY, a retired career Military Officer and former employee of Del-Met Corp.in Walton, NY died Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the UHS Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton, NY. He was 94. 

The son of the late Orson J. and Ella J. O'Connor Barnes, he was born April 1, 1930, at Tub Mill, Downsville, NY.

Bill received his High School Diploma from Downsville Central School; he enlisted in the US Army in October1948 and served until 1952; in 1953 he worked in the construction of the Pepacton Dam; then in 1954he enlisted in the US Air Force and retired in August 1972 as a Tech-Sergeant. During his time of service, he was stationed in Vietnam for 2 tours and visited 15 different countries. Bill was a member of the V.F.W. Post # 270, Walton, NY, the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167,Downsville, NY, a member of the Downsville Fire Department, a member of the O&Y Hunting Club and a former member of the Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club.

Survivors include his devoted wife of seventy-one years, Lena Mae Tompkins Barnes whom he married August 14, 1953  in East Branch, NY; one daughter, Julie Ann Townsend and her husband Terry of Downsville, NY; two grandchildren, Allison Emerich and her husband Logan of Fishes Eddy, NY and Nicholas Townsend of Downsville, NY; a granddaughter-in-law, Claudia Cavallo Townsend of Downsville, NY; one great grandson, Landon; three great granddaughters, Giuliana, Ciara, and Mikayla and special grandson, Brian and great grandson, Zachary. Bill was predeceased by a grandson, Jason R. Townsend and by his siblings, Leo V. Barnes, Robert H. Barnes, Marjorie Cox, George W. Barnes, Warren H. Barnes, Virginia H. Brown, 0. Jack Barnes, Triplet Sisters: Jean Homovich, June Akins, Joan Luscomb, Dorothy Barnes and Nelson Barnes.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 1-3 PM in the Colchester Community Church, Downsville, NY.  Funeral services will be December 4, 2024 at 3 PM in the Colchester Community Church. The Rev. Christine Lindeberg will officiate.  Following the funeral services, William's family will be gathered at the Downsville Fire Hall, all are welcome to join.  Burial will be in the Paige Cemetery, Downsville, NY, in the spring.  

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home Railroad Ave., Roscoe, NY. 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 or www. Harris-FH.com