William H. Sykes Jr.'s Obituary
William H. Sykes Jr., age 95, of Algonac, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025. He was born on January 20, 1930 in Providence, Rhode Island to the late William Sr. and Villa Sykes. Bill married JoAnn Schneider on June 27, 1953, who preceded him in death on March 30, 2021. In 1948 Bill joined the United States Air Force. Where he proudly served his country as a flight engineer in the Military Airlift Command during the Cold War, Korea, and Vietnam. He spent much of his career in Iceland, Cuba, or the Baltic Sea. Bill retired as a senior master sergeant in 1990, after serving 42 years on active and reserve duty. Following his time in the Air Force, Bill worked as a school bus driver for East China School District and Algonac. All the kids referred to him as Mr. B.
Bill was always keeping busy. He was a member of Our Lady on the River Parish, serving as a third-degree Knights of Columbus member. He was an active member of the VFW post 7573, New Baltimore. Bill served as president of the Amvets. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
In his spare time, Bill enjoyed camping, boating, and he cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Wlash, Linda (Doug) Berry, Denise (Robert) Hertzberg, Dale (Deborah) Sykes, Guy (Bonnie) Sykes, Ronald (Michele) Sykes; 19 grandchildren, 23, great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren; sister, Harriet Sykes- Keuter, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, Brooke Norris Sykes, Roger Andrew Sykes; son in law, Robert J. Wlash.
A funeral mass will be on Tuesday, October 21st at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Marine City. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, October 20th from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visitation will also be on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to mass at church. A rosary will be recited on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Interment and military honors will take place at St. Marys’ Catholic Cemetery, St. Clair, immediately following mass. Memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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