Billy Ray Barb

Billy Ray Barb (Bill), age 82, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at Cedar Village Care Center in Ness City, Kansas, surrounded by family. Bill was born on September 11th, 1943, in Hobbs, New Mexico to Kenneth Albert Barb and Margery Mardell Yearout. Bill and his siblings Carol Lee and Jon Robert were raised in Madison, Kansas. Bill graduated from Madison High School with the class of 1961.

Bill's call to duty with the U.S. Army came in 1962, with 6 months of active duty followed by 7 years of reserve obligation, after which he was honorably discharged in 1970. Bill was a long-standing member of the Olin Cole American Legion Post 392 in Bazine, Kansas.

On April 12th, 1965, Bill married his high school sweetheart Carlene Diane Haney. Bill and Diane carried their 5-year romance into a marriage that lasted 60 years. Bill is survived by these cherished family members; his wife Diane, of the home; his sons, Scott and his wife Laurie, of Ness City, Kansas, and Jeff and his wife Laura, of Hutchinson, Kansas: his grandchildren, Shawn Woods, Shannon Pfannenstiel (Lexie), Morgan Rotramel, and Jordan Barb; 8 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Bill loved his family dearly and there are many special memories.

Bill is also survived by his brother Jon (Debbie) of Hutchinson, Kansas; brother-in-law, Ross (Karen) McIlvain, and Lee (Vicki) Haney; sisters-in-law, Arlene DeWitt, Darlene (Mike) Haas, Trisha Haney, and Kathy Robison, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, Kenneth Barb and Margery and Guy Inbody, and his sister Carol Brown; brothers-in-law, Gale Haney, Delbert Brown and Lon McIlvain; sisters-in-law, Coleen Haney and Joyce Sallee, and in-laws, Ross and Imogene McIlvain, and Carl and Margaret Haney.

Bill began his career with the USDA Soil Conservation Service in 1962, and retired in 2001, after 38 years of service. His employment took him and his family to Lakin, Kansas in 1966, Howard, Kansas in 1974, then to Ness City, Kansas in 1980, where he opened the Wet Walnut Watershed Project Office.

Upon completion of the watershed dams, the office closed in 1996, and Bill was reassigned to the Dodge City Area Office until his retirement.

Throughout his growing up and adult years Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing, then after a debilitating stroke in 2010, he transitioned to watching anything sports related on television, with special emphasis on NASCAR racing, Kansas City Chiefs football, K.C. Royals baseball, and KU basketball.

Bill's favorite hobby was collecting key wind clocks and pocket watches. These were amassed through the years from online shopping and going to auctions. He is sharing his collection with his children and grandchildren.

The family has chosen cremation, and no services are planned at this time.

There will be a viewing at Fitzgerald Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with family present from 2:00-4:00 p.m., on February 7th, 2026.

Condolences may be sent in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home and words of comfort and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Bazine American Legion Post 392, in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, PO Box 96, Ness City, Kansas, 67560.