William Paul Bernier

William Paul "Bill" Bernier, 75 of Warrensburg, Missouri passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Bill was born October 10, 1949 in Canton, Ohio, son of Edmund Paul and Dorothy Louise (Bremkamp) Bernier. He graduated from Kent State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He worked for the Boy Scouts of America in Cleveland, Ohio before moving to Warrensburg in 1973 to be Chief Executive Officer of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity.

Under his leadership, Sigma Tau Gamma initiated 35,000 members at nearly 90 universities. During his 42 years as CEO, Sigma Tau Gamma organized 51 of those campus chapters. He served as president of the Fraternity Executives Association in 1983-84 and received the gold medal from the National Interfraternity Conference. He led the construction of the Fraternity headquarters campus at 101 Ming Street.

A leader in Warrensburg, Bill was appointed to the Central Missouri State University Board of Regents by Governor Christopher Bond in 1984. He served as a Den Leader and Scoutmaster for local Boy Scout troops. He also led campaigns to renovate and maintain the Warrensburg Railroad Depot, was the Chairman of the Highway 13 Corridor Coalition and achieved the 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus.

When he wasn't working, "Uncle Bill" – as he was affectionately called – made others feel like family. As one of the oldest siblings, he had a natural ability and a special affection for children. He could soothe the fussiest of babies, and loved to hear a child's perspective on the world.

His pleasures in life were met with his hard work and attention to detail. A true "Mr. Fix-It," Bill could repair just about anything around the house. He enjoyed tinkering with his model train, driving his Farmall Tractor, captaining his boat and "puttering" around the house completing projects.

Bill is survived by his wife: Wendy Bernier; daughter: Elaine Derrough (Derryan); son: Andrew Bernier (Ashley Guyer); and grandchildren Jordan and Emery Derrough; Joel and Elliot Bernier. He is survived by twin brother Robert Bernier; by brothers James Bernier and Kenneth Bernier; by sisters Christine Arnold; Linda Pearson; Patricia McNeese; and Barbara Culhane; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother: Ronald Bernier.

Memorial Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg with Fr. Andrew Kleine officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to: Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation, In Memory of Bill Bernier

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net

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