William S. Barnes of Downsville, a retired career military officer and former employee of Del-Met Corp. in Walton, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at the UHS Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton. 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.
Bill received his high school diploma from Downsville Central School; he enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1948 and served until 1952; in 1953 he worked in the construction of the Pepacton Dam; then in 1954 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired in August 1972 as a tech-sergeant. During his time of service, he was stationed in Vietnam for two tours and visited 15 different countries. Bill was a member of the V.F.W. Post #270, Walton, the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167, Downsville, 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 71 years, Lena Mae Tompkins Barnes whom he married Aug. 14, 1953 in East Branch; daughter Julie Ann Townsend and her husband Terry of Downsville, two grandchildren, Allison Emerich and her husband Logan of Fishes Eddy, and Nicholas Townsend of Downsville; granddaughter-in-law Claudia Cavallo Townsend of Downsville, and great-grandson Landon; three great-granddaughters, Giuliana, Ciara, and Mikayla; 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, and Joan Luscomb; Dorothy Barnes and Nelson Barnes.
Graveside services and burial will be Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. in Paige Cemetery, Downsville.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home Railroad Ave., Roscoe; 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com
