WWII Vet, Red Bank Elks Member Dies at 87

William M. Barnes, 87, of Middletown, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 13.

Bill was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Elmer and Helen (Brown) Barnes. He proudly served our country during WWII from 1946 to 1949 in the US Air Force. Bill and Margaret started their family in Pittsburgh after eloping to Atlantic City. Bill was transferred to New Jersey and became vice president of Oremco Coal Trade Co. in New York City where he retired in 1987.

After he retired, Bill volunteered at the Red Bank Elks where he served as exalted ruler and served on many committees. His greatest satisfaction came from running the scholarship program. Bill was happiest in the company of his family and friends. He created many memories for his family during summer vacations at Wrightsville Beach, NC. Bill was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Red Bank and his relationship with God brought him comfort and peace. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother, Anna Frasch and his sister, Betty Tinkham. 

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Baney) Barnes. They spent 66 years of marriage together celebrating their anniversary on July 3rd, 2013 at home. He is also survived by his sons; William of Jacksonville, FL, Gregory and Ellen Coogan of Green Bay, WI and Thomas of Tinton Falls, daughters; Carol Simmons and husband Tenny of Fair Haven, Leslie Tweed and husband Ed of Roseville, CA, Patricia Keeran and husband Jack of Asheville, NC and Kimberly Ambrose and husband Joseph of Fair Haven, sisters; Dorothy Neilson of Westchester, PA, Helen Duff of York, PA and Esther Fornoff and husband Adam of NY, grandchildren; Kristy and Tenny Simmons, Sean and Billy Tweed, Shane and Dana Keeran, Carli, Kelsey and Chloe Ambrose and Reese Barnes. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. A funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Red Bank, 247 Broad St., Red Bank on Wednesday, July 17 at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to: Red Bank Elks Lodge 233, 40 W Front St Red Bank, NJ 07701 or Scholarship Fund or Dream Street Foundation 324 S. Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, Ca. 90212.