Robert Wendell Barnes

Obituary for
Robert Wendell Barnes

Loving father, adored grandfather and great-grandfather, Robert "Bob" Barnes, age 92, of rural Lovilia, passed into God's hands on Sunday, April 20, 2014. Bob was born on March 9, 1922 to Arnold and Esta (Nedderman) Barnes, the youngest of nine children. He attended Lemon grade school, and graduated from Lovilia High School in 1940. He married Beth Davis in Unionville, MO on July 4th, 1942.After graduating from high school, Bob worked at the Barnes Coal Company, and then moved to Milwaukee, WI where he worked at the Perfex Corporation. In November 1942, he was drafted into the Army as part of the 903rd Quartermaster Company, and was stationed at MacDill Army Base in Tampa, FL. He volunteered as a paratrooper, was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, and then stationed in the Philippines. He later served on the MacArthur Vanguard during the first days of occupation in Japan.In 1954, he purchased the old "La Hart Place", and in 1965 built the family homestead just down the road, where he farmed until his retirement. Bob was intensely interested in the Barnes and Nedderman family histories, and spent many years researching and updating the genealogy of both families. He also enjoyed maintaining several family cemeteries in Monroe County, and always ensured that they were nicely manicured for visitors. He found great pleasure in hunting for mushrooms every Spring, and in his later years, he could be found enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation with the gang at Hardee's in Albia. His wit and love of the simple things in life brought joy to all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.Bob is survived by his wife, Beth, his son Gary Barnes (Margaret) of West St. Paul, MN, Brenda Schuley (Phil) of Overland Park, KS, Connie Houston (Paul) of West Des Moines, IA, Shelley Trampetti (Mike) of St. Paul, MN, four grandchildren, Matthew Van Ginkel (Gina) of Savannah, GA, Candace Faustino (Peddy) of Sarasota, FL, Eva and Elizabeth Barnes of West St. Paul, MN; and four great-grandchildren, Luke, Chase, Louis and Fina. His parents, and his siblings, Icyle, Jesse, Howard, Orville, Phillip, Florence, Emmett, and Preston preceded him in death.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Independent Bible Church in Bussey, IA at 10:30 am. The visitation will be held at the Sinnott-Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Lovilia, IA opening to the public at 4 pm and family being present from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. Open Memorials.