Willie 'Bill' Barnes

Willie “Bill” Barnes, 78, of Grand Junction died Wednesday, February 13 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Bill was born September 19, 1929 in Trail Lake, Mississippi to Willie and D. Ella (Alford) Barnes Sr. Willie married Cecelia Schoenberger on March 3, 1960 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Willie was disabled but before his disability, he worked as a cab driver, fork lift driver, he was a supervisor at Zenith Corporation in Chicago and he also worked as a Senior Meals Supervisor at Pullman Community Center. Willie enjoyed reading westerns and loved to play cards and listen to music especially the Blues. Willie was proud of his involvement in the Lee Township Politics. Willie attended the Grand Junction Congregational Church for the past 33 years.

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his sister – L.V. and daughters Anna Mae and Linda.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years – Cecilia Barnes of Grand Junction, Michigan. Six children – William (Helen) Barnes, Diella Barnes, Lisa (Eli) Lopez, Pamela (Lonzey) Taylor, Mark (Amy) Barnes, and Richard (Marissa) Barnes. Grandchildren – Brett (Amanda), Marc, Dominique, Alexander, Nathan, Angelica, Raeven, Matthew, Devin, Conner, Ethan, Ava and Ramon. Great grandchildren – Jaden, Mackenzie and Ceanna. Brothers – Curtis and Arthur and sister – Sarah. Special daughters – Diane, Felicia and Crystal. Also survived by George Cotton, Pam Rice and family and children and grandchildren of Anna Mae and Linda. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends also survive.

Visitation will be Monday, February 18 from 2 - 4 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin Monday at 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Edith M. Winter and Pastor Steppney Black officiating. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.