William "Bill" Edward Barnard

William "Bill" Edward Barnard, age 92, longtime resident of Troy/Rochester Hills, MI, passed away peacefully after a short illness on March 28, 2026.  He was born in Detroit, Michigan June 3, 1933, to Dorothea (Sprague) Thompson. Bill married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, Mary McNally in 1954. Together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage. They had three wonderful children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Bill treasured his time with his family, creating fantastic memories throughout the years that will forever be remembered.  They startied many traditions that are still being passed on to the newest generation.  Bill and Mary had many cherished friends from their pinochle group, the Royal Oak Hockey Association, Rochester Hills Great Oaks Country Club, the Meadows Country Club in Sarasota, Florida and many more. Together they enjoyed dinners and dancing, playing cards, golfing, traveling and Red Wings hockey games.  Bill proudly served in the Navy from 1953-1957. After his service, Bill worked as both an electrical and building contractor. Owning his own business, Barnard and Johnson Electric, did not stop him from many other business adventures. Bill was also a long-time sponsor of Royal Oak Hockey Association youth hockey teams.  Everyone who knew Bill knows how much he loved music. You could always find him singing or humming along while doing just about anything. He found great pleasure in golfing, a pastime that brough him relaxation and camaraderie. Bill had many adventures and met many amazing people along the way.  Bill will always be remembered for his deep devotion to family, vibrant personality, sharp sense of humor, kindness and generosity. He always knew how to brighten the room around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.  Bill was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane Barnard, son Casey Barnard, and is survived by sister Roberta Gluth; daughter Kelly (Matt) Tomaszewski; son Deuce (Linda) Barnard; daughter-in-law Kim Barnard; grandchildren Christine (Derek) LoPresti, Eric Barnard, Jenna (Alex) Jerden, Evan Tomaszewski, Alexandra Barnard, Shane Barnard, and Jacob Barnard; as well as great-grandchildren Milena and Lylah LoPresti; Olivia, Ryan, and Callahan Jerden.  Bill will be cremated then have a memorial service at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI at a later date. Donations can be made in his honor to Smile Train or Angela Hospice in Livonia, Michigan.  Arrangements with Purse Funeral Home.  www.PurseFuneralHome.com

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