William Hardin “Bill” Barnes died in Pittsburgh, PA on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the age of 87.

Bill was born in El Paso, Texas to the late Thomas and Aileen (Henrickson) Barnes. He served in the U.S. Navyaboard the USS Saratoga from 1959-1962. He then completed a bachelor’s degree in history and political science at Stephen F. Austin State College in Nacogdoches before volunteering in the Peace Corps from 1965-1966 in Santiago, Chile.

Upon returning home, he used the G.I. Bill to earn a Master of Education from Towson State College in Maryland. He spent the next decade teaching history, psychology, English, and geography in Baltimore public schools, as well as serving as a department head and acting administrator. While living in Baltimore, he met and married Anne Dill in 1971. In 1978, he moved his family to Pittsburgh, PA to attend Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Master and Doctor of Arts in History in 1983.

Bill then embarked on a 33-year span teaching history at Sewickley Academy in which he served as head of the department and advisor to Mock Trial and Model U.N. He was a truly dedicated and passionate teacher and taught with the enthusiasm of someone who had found his calling. Dr. Barnes was revered among his students for his individual attention and care, inspiring some to pursue careers in education.

Bill could always be found reading nonfiction to satisfy his interest in both history and the world around him. He loved genealogy, tracing his family tree back to the 1600s. He enjoyed birding and biking with his wife, spending many miles on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Montour Trail. His infectious laugh decorated every space he occupied, and he always had a friendly word for a stranger. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anne; children Benjamin (Nicole) and Susan (Amanda); sister Sara (John); grandchildren Sebastian and Vivian; cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to support the Great Allegheny Passage and the Montour Trail.