William Raymond Bartz

William Raymond Bartz, 78, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 6th, 2026, at his home in Old River, Texas.

Born on November 28, 1947, Bill was the beloved child of Frederick and Evelyn Bartz. Throughout life, Bill was known for his ability to uplift others, living by the golden rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

He made his way to Texas in 1973 and worked in operations for 32 years at Shell in Deer Park where he retired from in 2008.

On his summer vacations, Bill packed up the family and traveled from Texas to Camp Hemlock in Michigan, the same summer camp where he made memories growing up.

Post retirement, Bill was known for having endless hospitality, always giving his time and opening his home to welcome anyone. The “Bartz Resort” was filled with many days of grilling and relaxing on the porch or under the house. Post retirement, you could always find him outside, spending time with grandkids, in his boat on the water, or just enjoying the view from the back patio. He had endless photos of friends, family, sunrises, sunsets, and birds.

Above all, Bill was a family man. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Christine Bartz, Elise and Tom Cabello, Amy and Jarod Mouton, William and Katie Bartz, and Sarah and Brandon Jones, his siblings Jim Bartz, Richard and Annette Bartz, and Don Hulslander, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, extended family members, and friends who will deeply miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Susan Bartz Hulslander, and his sister-in-law Sally Bartz.

A celebration of life in his honor will be held on July 19th at Cedar Bayou Farms in Dayton, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to National Audubon Society or the American Cancer Research in Bill’s memory.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of friendship, for someone who has never met a stranger, and will be remembered always by those fortunate enough to have known him.

“See you later alligator.”