William Barends Jr., age 87 of Fremont, went to be with God on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont. Bill was born on April 21, 1934 in Grant to William and Frances (Nagelkirk) Barends Sr. and has been a lifelong resident of the area. Bill had worked as a police officer at CSX Railroad for many years until his retirement on April 1, 1995. Bill married Janet Rae Purcell on September 26, 1958 and Janet preceded him in death on July 19, 1996. Bill later married Shirley (Fritz) Moore on June 17, 1997 and Shirley preceded him in death on April 7, 2019. Bill was a member of the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ where he had been active for many years and enjoyed fishing, playing card games and especially treasured the time he spent with his family. Bill was a veteran of Korean War where he had served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge and was a member of the Newaygo V.F.W. Sportsman's Post #4249. Bill is survived by his family, daughter, Lisa (Kyle) Clark and their children, Zane; Merik (fiancé-Daniel); Kendall (Paul); Hadyn; Liam. Son, Tom (Michele) Barends and children, Mercedes (Clara); Asha; Katlyn (Chris); Sarah (Brandon); Chloe (Brent). Stepson, Rick (Deborah) Moore and children, Kadie (Tony); Jeff (Julie); Tyler. Stepson, Scott (Luci) Moore and children, Jenna (John); and Max. He was blessed with several great grandchildren as well. Bill was preceded in death by his 8 brothers and sisters. VISITATION : Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 2-3pm at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ 432 Quarterline Newaygo MI 49337 with MEMORIAL SERVICES at 3pm at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : In Lieu of Flowers friends are asked to consider the National Parkinson's Foundation in memory of Bill. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Barends family online at [email protected]. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel 231-924-0800. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of William "Bill" Barends Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Visitation Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ Tuesday, September 14, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 432 Quaterline Newaygo, MI 49337 Military Honors Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ Tuesday, September 14, 2021 3:00 PM 432 Quaterline Newaygo, MI 49337 Memorial Service Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ Tuesday, September 14, 2021 3:15 PM 432 Quaterline Newaygo, MI 49337