William P. Barenkamp

William P. Barenkamp “Bill”, age 91, of Cookeville died at his residence Wednesday, April 24, 2013 after battling cancer. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Dyer Funeral Home, 798 S. Willow Ave, Cookeville TN. Bill was born October 1, 1921, ten minutes before his identical twin brother, Walter in St. Louis MO to the late Reva and William Fred Barenkamp. With World War II escalating Bill and his brother made a pact that if one was drafted the other would enlist. Walter was drafted, so Bill enlisted. Bill was part of the 30th Infantry Division as a First Lieutenant. He also served in the Korean War as an Infantry Captain. His war decorations include: One Silver Star, Six Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, the French Croix DeGuerre, Eleven Campaign Stars, three Presidential Unit Citations and most recently on October 18, 2012 Bill was awarded the Legion of Honor from the French Government, which dates back to Napoleon Bonaparte, for his military service on French soil. While fighting in France Bill was involved with the Battle of Mortain and part of the Lost Battalion. Mr. Barenkamp received his Honorable Discharge December 29, 1952. He then resumed his career with Ralston Purina. Bill worked at Ralston Purina for 25 years and served in other feed companies as well. He retired from Pilgrim Pride, Pittsburg TX. After retiring he started a new career in substitute teaching in Pittsburg TX. He continued his substitute teaching when he moved to Cookeville TN in 1997. Bill had a passion to defend freedom and a strong faith in Jesus Christ. He often talked about how God protected him throughout his military service. Bill enjoyed working with Special Ed. Students as a substitute teacher in the Cookeville School System. His family misses him deeply and they look forward to seeing him again in heaven. William Barenkamp is survived by his wife of 62 years, June Hibbeler Barenkamp; his daughter Sandra (Randy) Way of Wichita KS, his son William (Kathy) Barenkamp II of Knoxville TN; and his daughter Shari (Anthony) Gansebom of Fort Calhoun NE. Grandchildren include Christen (John) Formeishter, Kaley Barenkamp, Aaron Gansebom and Rachel Gansebom. He is also survived by one great-grandchild, Lexi Formeister. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by is brother, Walter Barenkamp and his sister Mildred England. Mr. Barenkamp donated his body to MeHarry Medical College in Nashville TN. Please send memorial contributions to Gideon’s International; Caris Healthcare at 2525 Hwy 111 suite B, Algood TN 38506 or Crossroads Community Church, PO Box 205, Baxter Tn 38544.