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William Charles Bill Barnes
WilliamBarnesObit

William Charles ‘Bill’ Barnes, 72, died Thursday, March 13.

He was born to Walter ‘Red’ Barnes and Katie Barnes in Bridgeport, Conn. He was raised in Santa Rosa, where he graduated an accomplished student athlete.

Mr. Barnes was an E5 Sargent in the U.S. Army and a renowned member of the 101st Airborne Div. He served in the National Guard where he was active during the 1965 Watts riots.

In May 1965 he married Susie Buergler and relocated to the Bay Area where he became involved with various semi-pro and Triple A ball clubs serving as a hitting coach. From 1975-1986 he coached Milpitas Little League and Milpitas High Varsity baseball.

He was a resident of Riverbank for approximately 15 years.

Between 1986 and 2012 he held many positions with Riverbank and Central Valley area girls’ fastpitch organizations which included the Strikkers, Lady Falcons, Class Act and Sister Act. He coached varsity softball for Riverbank High School from 2000-2004, and in 2013, he retired from coaching with his final team, the Rattlers.

He was a car enthusiast and a show promoter, a lifetime member of the N.S.R.A., and president of C.A.R.S. car club.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Susie Barnes; children, Brian Barnes of Riverbank, Lynette Heinrichs of Turlock; brother, Walter Barnes; sister, Peggy Kendricks; grandchildren, Brian and Paige Barnes, Katilynn and Ashlynn Heinrichs; great-granddaughters, Kailani and Adalina Barnes.

Please join the family in celebration of his life on Monday, March 31 at 10 a.m. at Rainbow Fields, Modesto.

Eaton Family Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

March 26, 2014