J .W. (BILL) BARRAS

J. W. (Bill) Barras of Herrin, IL departed this life on the morning of April 8, 2010 and entered into eternal rest. Bill was born in Herrin, IL to J. W. Barras, Sr. and Katherine M. (Stefan) Barras on April 06, 1940. Bill's early years were in Johnston City, IL until there family moved to Herrin to operate Texaco service stations. After Bill graduated from Herrin High School he entered the St. Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, IN. There he spent six years until other changes led him back to Herrin were he worked with Mrs. Mildred Yuill at "Yuill Music" as it was called then. In October of 1965 Mrs. Yuill sold the business to the Barras family and Bill eventually converted the name to "Baldwin Piano & Organ Center. The business is still serving the entire region and points beyond covering many states.

Bill is survived by his partner, Bruce Steh, both business and life and many good friends and relatives. Bill devoted many years to St. Francis Xavier of Carbondale and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of Herrin in music ministry. Bills talent and gift in the liturgical music aspects of these churches will be greatly missed.

Visitation for Bill will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, April 12 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Johnston City. There Bill will lie in the presence of the Eucharist until Tuesday, April 13 where the Funeral Liturgy will begin at 5:00pm. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City, were he will be laid to rest on the Stefan/Barras family plot. Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St. Paul's Catholic Church of Johnston City or to St. Francis CARE Animal Shelter (No-kill Shelter) at 6228 Country Club Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966 or to Cache Creek Rescue Animal Shelter at 1235 Spanish Bluff Road, Anna, IL 62906. Envelopes will be available at the church.