Dennis Randy Barnard

Dennis Randy Barnard, 80, of Wood River, IL passed away on January 5, 2026 at his home.

Dennis was born on September 1, 1945 in Alton, IL to Veda and James Barnard. They preceded him in death.

He graduated from Wood River High School in 1963. After being drafted to serve the military in Vietnam, he went to SIUE and graduated in 1971. He worked as a pipe fitter with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 553 until his retirement in 2000. After retirement, he became a substitute teacher at Roxana High School. There he became known as “Mr. B” to students, teachers, and players of the many teams he coached.

He is survived by his daughters who he loved dearly: Amanda (Patrick) Ruff, Alisha (Mike) Ryan and Amber Rives. He was known as “Poopaw” to his grandkids: Kara and Blake (Allena) Martin, Salvatori and Sophia Deucker, Pheobe Booher, Sydnee Scott, Gabby Gleason, Ben Yates, Dalton Ryan, PJ, Jacob and Alexis Ruff. He loved to spend time with his “best buddy” Kai - along with his four other great grandkids: Mason, Riley, Max, and Jack. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Barnard, nephews, nieces and many kids and grandkids that he adopted over the years.

He was a collector of records, sports cards, and sports memorabilia. He loved music and could often be found dancing to his oldies in the living room. He never knew a stranger and loved to tell stories of days past. He made friends of all ages and couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he knew. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched over the years.

A private burial was held at Woodland Hills Cemetery in East Alton.

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