William “Bill” Keane Barclay passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on Aug. 30, 1947, in Sioux City to Miriam and Donald Barclay, Bill moved to Lincoln as a young child and spent most of his life in the community he loved.
A proud Vietnam veteran, Bill built a remarkable life centered on family, hard work, adventure, and friendship. As a custom home builder, his attention to detail and commitment to excellence helped more than 1,100 families create homes of their own. He took immense pride in his work and the relationships he built along the way.
Whether he was fishing championship waters, smoking meat for family gatherings, competing at cards or chess, or cheering from the sidelines at a grandchild’s game, Bill approached life with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome.
Traveling the world with Nancy was one of his greatest joys. Together, they enjoyed nearly 80 cruises and countless adventures, but some of Bill’s favorite memories were the annual trips shared with his children and grandchildren.
One of Bill’s proudest accomplishments was “Billville,” the acreage in Crete that he and Nancy transformed into a gathering place for family and friends. It reflected much of who Bill was – a builder, a dreamer, a hard worker, and someone who found his greatest happiness surrounded by the people he loved.
Bill’s legacy lives on not only in the homes he built, but in the family he cherished, the friendships he cultivated, and the memories he created. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his children, Kris Barclay, Nikki Bauman, and Jeff (Amber) Barclay; and his grandchildren, Ryleigh Forch, Grant, Dashton, and Reazin Bauman, and Brynn, Blake, and Beau Barclay.
He was preceded in death by his cherished granddaughter, Ashleigh Kristine Barclay, affectionately known as “Bugs.”
Bill will be laid to rest in a private graveside service for immediate family.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill's life on what would have been his 79th birthday, Aug. 30, at 1 p.m. at Venue Restaurant & Lounge in Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project in Bill's honor.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
