William N. Barnard

William Barnard, age 95, passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 6, 2022. His children and their spouses, along with several grandchildren, were with him in the hospital surrounding him with love. We will miss his one-of-a-kind personality, his humor, and his presence in our lives but know he is now with his wife Evelyn, who passed away last October, and resting with the Lord at peace.

Bill, as he was known by nearly everyone, was a father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived a long, full life and was loved by his family. Born in Hugo, Colorado to Emit and Nell Barnard on December 16, 1926, Bill spent his first few years living in Hugo, Akron, CO, Arkansas, and rural Oklahoma before moving to unincorporated Adams County to attend school. Bill was an only child, and certainly one of a kind. He graduated from Denver North High School in 1944 and later joined the U.S. Merchant Marine, where he served in the later stages of World War II. Returning home after the war, Bill worked several jobs and married Evelyn Fox on January 19, 1952 in Denver. The couple were together for over 70 years, during which time they raised two daughters and two sons while living in Commerce City, Colorado. The family is at peace knowing Mom and Dad are together again.

Bill loved big band music and dancing with Evelyn at the Trocadero Ballroom and other venues around Denver. He had a sense of humor and loved telling jokes and teasing his wife and children. He worked as a chemical operator at Shell Chemical Company on the Rocky Mountain arsenal for 35 years and retired in 1982. Bill was a Freemason and member of the Shriners. He attended church at Goode Centennial United Methodist Church in Commerce City.

All his life, Bill was a car enthusiast and had an immense knowledge of automobiles. He owned many classic cars over his lifetime, including a 1949 Willys Jeepster which was his pride for the last 8 years. Bill could be frequently found at car shows and swap meets, and many people sought him out for his knowledge on automobiles, particularly Ford and Lincoln autos. He was active with the Colorado Chapter of Merchant Marine Veterans, the North High School Alumni Association, and volunteered at the Adams County Historical Society. Bill and Evelyn enjoyed many trips together all over the USA, the Bahamas (1976), a cruise of the islands of the Eastern Caribbean (1994), Hawaii (1978), as well as to Mexico and Canada, and to England in 2004.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn and parents Emit and Nell Barnard. Survivors include his children Greg (Dawn), Rhonda Janik (Jim), Vicki Whalen (Mike); Terry (Nikki); nine grandchildren, Melissa, Valerie, Ryan, Derek, Kelly, Erik, Avery, Holly and Peyton; and nine great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill was a widow for nearly the last 10 months and was cared for by his children and other caregivers. He was able to live at home until the end of his life.

All services and events will be held at 7777 West 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge as follows:

August 15: Viewing (9 – 10 a.m.), Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery, Pavilion of Reflection,

August 15: Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m., Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery

August 15: Graveside Service, immediately following the Funeral Service, Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery

August 15: Reception, 11– 1 p.m., Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery, the Reception Hall

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.