William's obituary
DeBarr, William (Bill) J., passed gently into Heaven during the early morning hours of March 5, 2024, under the care of Suncoast Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida.
Bill was born in Cleveland Ohio on November 28, 1934, to Charles Gregory DeBarr and Martha Jane DeBarr (Watkins). He graduated from John Marshall High School in Cleveland, Ohio in 1953. He married his first wife, Afla Jean (Jean) Mcatee in February of 1957, and adopted Jean's two children, Steven and Lisa, whose father was electrocuted on his job in 1955.
A proud United States Veteran, Bill served in the Air Force from 1954 until 1965 where he worked as a radar technician. His military service took them all over the United States. With Bill usually being transferred in the middle of the academic year, Steven and Lisa attended various schools. Shortly after relocating and settling in Florida, Bill began working for FAA, securing his government pension. Bill also worked at NASA's Glenn Research Center (called the Lewis Research Center at the time) from 1965 until 1978. Never one to sit still for long, Bill joined the Navy Reserves in 1981 working as an electronics technician until he finally retired in 1991 with a total of 21 years of service to the United States military.
After losing his first wife, Bill felt fortunate to have met and married the great love of his life - Barbara (Barb) Chango (Benz), who was also a widow. Through his marriage with Barb, Bill became a loving stepfather to three adult sons Dominic Chango, Peter Chango, Michael Chango and a daughter, Christi Smith (Chango).
Bill enjoyed a very active lifestyle - even through is octogenarian years. In the home he had in Countryside, FL, he could always be found working outside in the yard, planting greenery and adjusting sprinklers. He once built a beautiful custom fountain for his pool, carefully laying each stone by hand - to the enjoyment of his grandchildren who used the pool often. He loved traveling around the world with Barb, as well as early morning workouts at their neighborhood fitness center. As an animal lover, Bill enjoyed outdoor walks with their dogs, Ellie and Sandy. He was also quite social, and easily made friends wherever he went.
Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara (2023), parents Charles Debarr and Martha Jane DeBarr (Watkins), and four of his five siblings: Ed, Chuck, Jean, Shirley and Delores, and stepson Dominic Chango.
Bill is survived by his adoring brother Robert (Bob) DeBarr North Ridgeville, OH, loving children Steve (Christine) DeBarr of Jeromesville, OH, Lisa (DeBarr) Gannon of Orlando, FL, Christi (Kevin) Smith of Albany, NY, Peter (Barbara) Chango and Michael Chango, of Seminole, FL. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends - all of whom will miss him greatly and remember him for his generous heart, wise advice and meaningful conversations.
Services will be held at Saint Michael the Archangel (2281 State Road 580, Clearwater) on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:30 am.
Military internment will immediately follow at his final resting place in Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg, FL at 2:00 pm.
Private family reception to follow.