On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Bill Bardwell, 64 of Clear Lake City, Texas walked into heaven. A reunion was held when he arrived there. He was met by his parents, Charlotte and Paul Bardwell, who each took one of his hands. Together, the three walked through the Pearly Gates and down the streets of gold to sit at the feet of Christ Jesus.

Early in Bill's adolescent, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). At first the doctors were hesitant to label the disease. He was about sixteen when he first began noticing problems. He first noticed tunnel vision and numbness in his hands. Around the time Bill was 18, the doctors gave the diagnosis of MS.

Bill's diagnosis did not stop him from pursuing life. He continued with high school activities. He participated in woodshop, making his brother a working crossbow. Bill followed in Pat and Cathy's footsteps by playing High School basketball. He was on the first string for the Pasadena Dobie High School Basketball Team. Wrestling and horse play with his older brother was another fun past time that both brothers enjoyed. (Pat always said that if Bill just realized that even though he was younger, they were about the same size, Bill could have taken him, and Pat would have lost the fight!)

In 1981, Bill graduated from Pasadena Dobie High School.  He enrolled in Lamar University at Beaumont, Texas for a year.  Deciding that higher education was not the course that he wanted to follow at that point in his life, Bill chose to return to Houston and pursue a career at JC Penney in retail sales.  Bill moved into an apartment, adjusted to living on his own, made friends at work, kept an eye on his parents, and basically enjoyed his life as a single young adult living in Houston.  He loved riding his bicycle, camping alone and with his family, visiting with his sister and brother at their homes and going to the different events in Houston.  Bill enjoyed a cruise arranged by Cathy. He evacuated to Lindale, Texas during Hurricane Rita with Pat.

As Bill's condition progressed, he joined an MS support group. As we all know, God places us where we need to be when we need to be there. It happened that in this support group was a beautiful young woman who would become important in Bill's life. On Friday, October 13, 1995, Bill and Barbara Combs officially had their first date. From there, a beautiful love story blossomed. They were together for 30 years as partners. Barbara cared for Bill's every need and they loved each other unconditionally.  She was there in sickness and health; for the good times and the sad. Barbara handled the big and little things. Dinner dates, listening to trumpet concerts, provided by Barbara's nephew, Andrew Wilson, visiting with family and friends, going to the beach and parks, taking photographs, and many other things made their life happy and wonderful.

Bill's parents, Paul and Charlotte, preceded him in death. They raised him to be a self-sufficient person and a faithful Catholic Christian.  He deeply loved his brother, Patrick Bardwell, and spouse, Sarah, and sister, Cathy Leavitt, and late spouse, Chris. Bill also loved Barbara's sister, Susan Wilson, and spouse, Danny, and brother, Daniel Combs, and spouse, Ashley.  And of course, Uncle Bill adored his nieces and nephews and now their children.  Just this January 2, Great Uncle Bill was blessed with a great nephew, little Finn Leavitt, born on his birthday.  He was so proud.

Bill loved buying presents for his nieces and nephews, taking his scooter out for fast food runs, buying flowers for Barbara, and eating Blue Bell ice cream.  He loved pranks and fun.  Bill was one of the most gracious gentlemen still in the world. Some of his last words were to thank the hospital staff caring for him.  Throughout his journey with this illness, he remained courageous, happy, upbeat, and faithful to God. He never complained nor questioned God. Bill always looked for ways to do good for others.

We will miss him forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Catholic Charities, Cross Catholic Outreach, or Doctors Without Borders

The service honoring Bill's life will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Peevey Funeral Home, 12440 Beamer Road, Houston, Texas 77089, with visitation one hour prior to the service.