William R. "Billy" Barthel, Jr

William R. “Billy” Barthel, Jr., 72, life long Vermilion resident, died Sunday, June 22, 2025. He was born April 7, 1953 and graduated from Vermilion High School. For over 50 years, he was an excavator and owned/operated B&B Excavating. Billy enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, going to flea markets and trying his luck at the casino. He was mechanically inclined and loved working on his own equipment and vehicles. His family and friends knew him as someone they could always count on; he would do anything for anyone at anytime. Billy’s pride and joy was his grandson, Theo, whom he loved taking for rides in the golf cart around the yard.

Billy is survived by his wife of 11 1/2 years, Lynda C. (nee Lichtenberg); his sons, Andrew Barthel and Matt (Courtney Johnston) Barthel; grandson, Theo and a sister, Chris (Ed) Martin. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and his little Border Collie "Shop Buddy", Kenzie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and William Barthel, Sr. and siblings, Tom, Janice, Carol and Mary. 

A memorial mass will be Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10:30 am at St. Mary Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion.  A reception will follow mass from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in the church hall.

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