Bill Barnhill

William Charles Barnhill, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, professor, craftsman, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Sugar City on Sunday, June 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Richmond, Virginia on November 18, 1940, to George and Reva Fern Groskinsky Barnhill as the youngest of three children.

Bill attended high school and junior college in Kansas before continuing his education at Pittsburg State University. He later graduated with a master’s degree in architectural engineering from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Bill was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission in the Northwestern States Mission. On May 31, 1966, he married Leola Kaye Larsen in the Manti Utah Temple. They were married for 60 years and raised six children together. Throughout his life, Bill served faithfully in many church callings, including as branch president and bishop. Bill and Leola later served together in the Canada Toronto Mission.

Bill devoted much of his career to teaching and mentoring students. He taught at Brigham Young University in Utah, Independence Community College in Kansas, and Ricks College, now BYU-I) in Rexburg. His professional experience also included work as an engineer at Boeing in Wichita, Kansas; a designer and architectural drafter at Ross Viewing & Associates in Orem, Utah; and an illustrator at Unidine Corporation in Provo, Utah.

Bill had a lifelong passion for woodworking and founded, “Things Dad Makes,” sharing his creativity through handcrafted wooden toys, selling them at craft shows and from his home and bringing joy to many children and families.

Bill enjoyed watching movies, playing games with family, golfing, playing racquetball and the piano, telling jokes, and teasing his children and grandchildren with his Donald Duck voice. He will be remembered for his creativity, humor, faith, and devotion to his family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Leola Barnhill; his children, George (Kirsten) Barnhill, Sarah (Steve) Wrigley, David (Erica Whitbeck) Barnhill, John (Ashlee) Barnhill, Stephen (Shayna) Barnhill, and Mary Ann (Jonathan) Carr; 27 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Edward Barnhill; and his sister, Lois Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 6 North Teton Avenue, with Bishop Trevor Weekes conducting.

The family will receive family and friends Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and again at the church on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at Sugar Salem Moody Cemetery.