Robert Barnes, Jr.

It was the simple pleasures of life that satisfied Robert Barnes. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to warm vacation spots with his wife. Bob was a hard working man, offering his sweat for the greater good and standing up for the things that he believed in.

As the roaring twenties came to close, nearing the economic collapse of the Great Depression, 1927 saw Charles Lindbergh pilot an aircraft in the first ever non-stop solo transatlantic flight. In the early summer of the year in the lakeside city of Petoskey over looking Lake Michigan, Robert J. Barnes, Jr. was born on the 11th of June. As he was growing up he worked as a farm hand on a farm owned by one of his family members. He graduated from South High School of Grand Rapids.

In one of the most tumultuous times of the past century, having his parents authorizing signature to do so, Robert Barnes, signed up for the United States Navy. Like a number of his contemporaries, knowing the need of the United States and the world he offered his life up while underage to the service of the good of his fellow man. Being sent overseas, he served in the South Pacific during the Second World War. After he was discharged from the Navy, he signed up to serve in the Far East Air Force and completed his military service with the Air Force.

After returning home, Bob married the mother of his children, Shirley Buck. They had four children together, but they were not intended to spend the rest of their lives together and went their separate ways. Trying to get a job with the police department, Bob was told that they did not need anybody else at the time, so he went to the Grand Rapids Fire Department and found a position there. He worked for the department for thirty-five years. He fought hard for the increase of the wages and benefits of firefighters. Bob retired as a Captain and is said to have run a very tight ship. As a former Union President of the Grand Rapids Firefighter Association he was very proud of his service and time as a firefighter.

One day while out to eat at Duba's, Bob met this woman who worked as a waitress at the restaurant at which he was dining. Marilyn was her name and eventually became Bob’s bride. After marrying, the two spent a lot of time traveling to warmer climates. Hawaii, Texas, Arizona and Florida became their favorite locations to frequent. Like Bob, Marilyn was very laid back and easy going. They very much enjoyed spending time together. They often spent many hours deep in conversation having nothing to do with themselves, but always concerning the welfare of others. In 1999, the two were sadly parted by Marilyn’s death.

Bob enjoyed walking through the mall to stay in shape. He loved spending time with grand-children and playing with them. Bob enjoyed life through the little things that were presented to him. Being with those he loved was his favorite way to spend his time.

Bob was a simple man. He died having never wanted for anything and finding meaning through different aspects of life, but never through material possessions. He has now returned back home to his loving Father. We give thanks for his life and ask that he may rest in peace and live on in the memories of all that knew him.

Robert J. Barnes, Jr. died on January 29, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; children Linda Barnes, Patrick Barnes; and sisters Bette and Mary. Bob’s family includes his children, Claudia Barnes, Janet (Jon) Sarb; grandchildren Chad, Jessica, Katie, and Jack; brothers John Barnes and Thomas Barnes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with Bob’s family on Sunday, January 30, 2005, from 2-4PM and again from 7-9PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. A Life story funeral service will be held on Monday, January 31 at 11 AM at the same location. Services will be celebrated by Fr. Thomas Rieden. Interment will be in the Resurrection Cemetery. Please visit Robert’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan.