Robert Barnett

Robert F. (Bob) Barnett passed away peacefully at Calvin Community Memory Unit on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the age of 96.

Bob was born on May 25, 1920 to John and Sarah (Moline) Barnett in Knoxville, Iowa. Bob had a twin sister, Roberta “Betsy” (Barnett) Wilson and eight brothers, John, Bryon and Kendall, who were also twins, Howard “Babe”, Myrl, Tom, Doug, all of whom have predeceased him, and Dr. Jerry (Lucy) Barnett. As he often said, “I have eight brothers we each have a sister.” He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy E. (Tunnell) Barnett in February, 1994.

Bob was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his four children, Robert D. (Susan); Ramona L. (Gail) Pedersen; Roberta S. (Gene) Beveridge; and Burl N. (Nicole); his long-time companion Virginia “Ginny” Hill; ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob completed the 8th grade at Liberty School in Marion Township and began working for the Barnett Coal Co. After working in the family coal mine for several years, Bob and his younger brother Doug enlisted in the Marines on September 23, 1942. They served side-by-side throughout the Pacific Theater. They were part of the Fifth Marine Division when they landed on Iwo Jima and spent over 30 days in the battle. After a brief stay at Camp Tarawa for R&R, they boarded ships headed for the invasion of Japan and became part of the occupation forces in Sasebo, Japan. He returned to civilian life on November 23, 1945, joined his bride in California, and returned to Iowa where he opened a grocery store. A few years later they sold the store and moved to Des Moines where he helped to build the Fox Built Feeds plant on Broadway. Fox Built was purchase by Golden Sun Feeds. Working his way up the ladder, Bob eventually retired as a Vice President of Operations for Golden Sun, which had become part of John Morrell & Co. A man who liked to keep busy, after his retirement Bob made presentations to school history classes about his experiences in World War II.

The Barnetts were a musically talented family. Beginning in his teens, Bob, who played the guitar and harmonica, Betsy, who played the guitar and mandolin, Tom, who played the guitar, and later, “Little Jerry”, who played the bones, played and sang professionally all over the area including appearances on WHO Barn Dance. Several years ago, Bob and Jerry were inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Almost to the end, Bob serenaded his nurses at Calvin Community with his harmonica.

Bob was active in several veteran’s organizations. He was a Past President and Life Member of VFW Post 9662, a member the Marine Corps League, and Disabled American Veterans.

He was an avid bowler who scored a 300 game. He also enjoyed many golf games with friends and family, scored two holes-in-one during his golfing career, and played until his 90th year. He passed his love of golf on to family and they enjoyed several four generation games. “Drive for show and putt for dough” was just one of nuggets of wisdom he passed on to them. He had a slightly wicked sense of humor, enjoyed a good joke, and loved playing tricks.

As a member of the Greatest Generation, Bob exemplified the characteristics that Tom Brokaw spoke of in his book "personal responsibility, duty, honor" and to that we add love of family. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and his many friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Marine Corps League Foundation, P. O. Box 3070, Merefield, VA 22116-3070, www.mclfoundation.org; or Calvin Community Good Samaritan Fund, 4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310.

After the interment, please join the family for lunch at Boline Manfredi VFW Post 9662,
1309 66th Ave. NE, Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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