Obituary of Stephen William Barnes

Stephen William "Bill" Barnes, Jr. Sidney, NY Stephen William "Bill" Barnes, Jr., 93, longtime resident of Sidney, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 6, 2012 at the NYS Veterans Home in Oxford. Bill was born on September 7, 1918, son of the late Stephen William and Ella H. (Molan) Barnes in Ithaca, NY. Bill graduated from Ithaca High School with the Class of 1937. He then went on to attend Cornell University for agriculture. In 1942, Bill enlisted with the United States Army Air Force and proudly served during World War II. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. On October 28, 1944, Bill was married to Patricia Molan in Sherburne. They shared 59 years of life and love before Pat predeceased him on December 26, 2003. Bill started working for GLF, later known as Agway, Inc. in 1941. He was the store manager in Sidney for 25 years, retiring in September of 1980. Following retirement, Bill was a longtime, dedicated employee of C.H. Landers, Inc. Funeral Chapel. He was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sidney, a member and past President of Delaware Cooperative Extension, and a member and past president of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. Bill was honored as the Sidney Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Years in 1984. Bill is survived by: His five children: Mary and Stephen DeLap of California Anne and Eric Bernstein of Illinois Cathy and Craig Spinning of Oregon Bill and Deb Barnes of Virginia Joanie Mather of Endicott His brother, Donald Barnes of Syracuse Eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren Special friend, Ellen Hogan In addition to his wife, Bill was predeceased by his sister, Kathryn and his brother, David. Friends are invited to call from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney, NY 13838. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Friday, March 9th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 15 Liberty Street, Sidney with Monsignor James Cox as celebrant. Burial will take place in St. Malachy's Cemetery in Sherburne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Sacred Heart Endowment Fund or to the Sidney Emergency Squad. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.