Obituary of Billy L. Barnes

Billy L. (Bill) Barnes, 83, former Dean of the College of Business Administration and Professor of Accounting at the University of Iowa, died April 27, 2006, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, following complications from surgery. He was surrounded by his wife and children. A memorial celebration will be held Monday, May 1, 2006, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City with the Reverend Dr. C. Edward Morgan officiating. Following services Bill’s family will receive friends during a reception at the church. Billy Lee Barnes was born in Sherman, Texas, November 22, 1922, to Lee and Ruby Barnes. He married Melba Jo Gathright on December 5, 1943, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. During World War II, Bill served in Europe as a tactical air liaison earning a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. Bill graduated from Austin College in 1947 with degrees in Business Administration, mathematics and chemistry. He received the Austin College Distinguished Alumni Award in 1980. He received his M.B.A. from Texas Christian University in Accounting and Finance in 1949 and Ph D.in Accounting, Economics and Finance from the University of Illinois in 1957. In 1955 he was appointed Professor of Accounting at the University of Iowa serving in that capacity through 1987. He was Dean of the College of Business Administration from 1963 to 1978 and was designated Dean Emeritus in 1987 upon his retirement. Bill was involved with Campus Security, Weeg Computing Center, the Summer Sports Camp Program, and Men’s and Women’s Varsity Athletic Programs. He served as Head Judge of the U of I Track and Field for 40 years. As Project Manager for the University Sports/Recreation Project, he oversaw the planning and construction of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. As an avid Hawkeye, Bill was a member of the University President’s Club and Honorary Member of the Iowa Letterman’s Club. In addition to his involvement with the University, he served: as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Iowa State Bank and Trust Company and ISB Financial Corporation; member of the Board of Directors of AEGON USA Managed Portfolios, Inc.; member of the Board of Directors of Speidel Newspapers Inc.; Executive Committee member at Mercy Hospital; and Board Member and President of Oaknoll Foundation, Inc. He served on a number of civic organizations including Mercy Hospital Advisory Board, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, Trustee of the Iowa City Police and Firemen Retirement Fund, Rotary Club Board of Directors and Iowa Health Care Cost Containment Committee. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Trustee and Church Elder. Bill's family includes his wife, Jo, daughters Kay (Bob) Eubank of Iowa City, Cindy (Luis) Guerra, of St. Petersburg, FL and Tracy (Jim) Rogers of Evanston, IL., 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother and 2 sisters. If desired, Memorial contributions may be made to the B.L. Barnes Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made to the University of Iowa Foundation, B.L. Barnes Scholarship Fund, PO Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244. Contributions may also be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent for Bill’s family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Bill’s family and his services.