Robert “Bob” S. Barnes, Sr., 80, of Richmond, Va., formerly of Wiscasset, passed away April 25. Although he had cancer, his death came suddenly and unexpectedly as a result of a major infection unrelated to the cancer. Although a shock to all who knew and loved him, he left us exactly the way he would have wanted to.
He was born April 29, 1929 in Boothbay, the son of Charles and Cora Barnes. He attended Wiscasset schools. He left school in 1946 to serve in the Air Force for two years. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alas. and was an aircraft engine mechanic during that time. While in the service he earned his GED and was credited with his diploma so that he was considered part of Wiscasset Academy’s class of 1947. He was a member of the Wiscasset Alumni Association and although he lived out of state, he would attend the annual Alumni Banquet almost every year. He worked in construction for several years before becoming employed for Stone and Webster the year they began building Maine Yankee. When that job was completed Stone and Webster send him to Virginia to another job. This is where he met the love of his life, Betty, who became his wife on Dec. 24, 1975. He was a union boilermaker for Local No. 45 for over 30 years, lifetime member of the NRA, National Wildlife Association and the American Legion. He was an avid sportsman and loved horse and car racing. He would often visit Maine with his wife and spend all of his time visiting the several family members and friends that are living in this area.
He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Cora Barnes; two brothers, Richard and Carl Barnes; and two sons, Scott Barnes and Carlton Frank.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 34 years, Betty; six children, Debra Arnold, Doreen Davis, Robin Rushlau, Jody Barnes, Robert S. Barnes, Jr. and Kathy Chewning; 17 grandchildren, Candice, Jennifer and Willie “Trey” Chewning, Kim Holovach, Joseph, Anna and Kate Rushlau, Kelly Locke, Cristy Moore, Jennifer Watson, Michael Davis, Dustan Barnes, Jamie Arnold-Spath, Robert, Spruce, Jeremyah and Malachi Barnes; five brothers, Roy, David, Charles, and Bill and Kingsley Barnes; two sisters, Sandra Barnes and Carleen Wright; numerous great-grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends.
Memorial service was held on May 2 in Richmond, Va. where he resided.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Sat., July 11 at Daigle Funeral Home, 40 Federal St., Wiscasset. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 40 Federal St., Wiscasset.
