Obituary for William Arthur Barnes III, Ph.D.

William Arthur Barnes III, Ph.D., of Easton, Maryland, passed away at the age of 87 years. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the beloved son of William Arthur Barnes Jr. and Olive Frances (Yost) Barnes.

William was united in marriage to Judith Marie Miles on October 7, 1961, at the Methodist Church of North College Park, College Park, Maryland. Together, they built a loving family and a life filled with accomplishment and service.

He was a devoted father to William Arthur Scott Barnes IV, Todd Andrew Barnes (Amy Barnes), and Robbin Marie Turco (Randy Turco). William was a cherished brother to Garry Barnes, Gregory Barnes, and Bonnie Bennett. He was a proud grandfather to Brenden Turco, Shannon Turco, Ava Barnes, Marston Barnes, and Justin Turco.

William went by the name of Marston.  Buried on May 1st, 2026, his final resting place is next to his Barnes parents and Barnes grandparents.  He is the direct descendant of Seth Stevens Appleton Barnes who founded the town of Marston, MO.

William's academic achievements were remarkable. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia Union College in 1966, a Master of Science from Howard University in 1968, and a Doctorate of Philosophy from The Catholic University of America in 1971.

Professionally, William was the owner of Air & Water Depot prior to his retirement. He also served as Vice President of Quality Control at Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc., and as Director of Clinical Labs at Prince Georges County Hospital, Greater Laurel-Beltsville Hospital, and Bowie Shock Trauma Center.

A proud veteran, William served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, from October 4, 1960, until his honorable discharge on October 3, 1962.

William was deeply involved in his community and various organizations, including the Easton Ruritan Club, Dorchester Swingers Square Dance Club, Pickering Creek Audubon Society, and Grace Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder. He volunteered as elections monitor in Prince Georges County, was active in the College Park Boys Club, and participated in the Holly Park Elementary PTA. He was also a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity at the University of Maryland and served as captain of the varsity football team at High Point High School in Beltsville, Maryland.

William Arthur Barnes III will be remembered for his dedication to family, his professional excellence, and his unwavering commitment to community service. He leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and integrity.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.