Robert (Bob) Barnes, age 74, passed away January 3, 2013, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. He was born June 12, 1938 in Sarcoxie, Missouri, to Henry and Bertha (Fieker) Barnes.
Bob graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1956. He attended Joplin Junior College and graduated with an AA Degree. Bob attended Kansas State University (now Pittsburg State University) graduating in 1962 with a B.S. Degree in Education. He attended graduate school at the University of Arkansas during the summers of 1965 through 1968 graduating with an M.S. Degree in Physical Education. After graduating from Kansas State he began teaching in Butler, Missouri, in September, 1962, where he coached football and basketball and taught driver’s education and health four years. He married Mary Jane Block, December 22, 1962. They moved to Springfield, in May of 1966 where he taught science and coached football and basketball at Reed Junior High for five years. He than began teaching biology and coaching football at Hillcrest High school for 25 years. After retiring as a coach and teacher, Bob worked at Dillions Grocery Store as a customer service clerk for 18 years, before retiring in 2010.
Bob will be especially remembered for his outgoing and loving personality. He was a guy who always had a smile on his face and was in a good mood and loved what he did. His tenaciousness and competitive spirit are what kept him going during his long battle with Leukemia. Bob had a way of making everything seem ok and making everyone feel welcome. He was truly a selfless person.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, his son, Roger Barnes of Springfield; his daughter, Debbie Barnes , San Clemente, California; one grandson, Cruz Putnam, San Clemente, California. He is also survived by a brother Charles and wife Bertha, Lamar, Missouri; sister, Barbara Schaffitzel, Springfield, Missouri; brother, Jim and wife Betty, Sarcoxie, Missouri; brother Richard and wife Jan, Stotts City, Missouri; sister Louise Pasaka, Taos, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral services will be at Greenlawn Funeral Home North at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 7, 2013. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday in Sarcoxie Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made on Bob’s name to the Leukemia Society in care of the funeral home.