ROBERT (BOB) S. BARNES, SMYRNA MILLS – Robert (Bob) S. Barnes, age 87, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2018 at Houlton Regional Hospital, with his family at his side. He was born on December 6, 1930 in Westfield, Massachusetts, the son of Sheldon and Edith (Stannard) Barnes.
After completing trade school, at the age of 22, Bob entered the U.S. Army as a Corporal in the Combat Engineers in Germany and Austria during the Korean War, earning an Army of Occupation Medal in Germany and a National Defense Medal.
Upon returning home in 1954, he married Thelma M. Johnson, who predeceased him in November of 2016. Bob’s married life began in Granville, Massachusetts, where he built a horse farm while also working in construction and as a grader operator working with the State Engineers of Mass.
He was proud to be part of the construction of the Massachusetts Turn Pike, and for many years, worked as a foreman for the Town of Granville Highway Department. Bob also built his own sawmill and produced lumber using its 1928 engine for power.
He was also very proud to have raised his three daughters in a small, loving community. In 1985, Thelma and Bob retired to the town of Smyrna Mills, Maine. Even though he retired at 55 years of age, his work ethic kept him employed for many more years beyond. He worked for the Town of Smyrna Mills in different capacities, including mowing cemeteries, plowing roads, and attending to the transfer station. He gained many friends in the local area because of his sense of humor and friendly demeanor.
Bob is survived by three daughters, Bambi (Gary) Williams of Oakfield, ME, Roberta (Tim) Cheviot of Hancock, NH, and Jenny (Jeremy) Tarr of Smyrna Mills, ME; five grandchildren, Robert J. Barnes of Smyrna Mills, ME, Ashley, Chloe, and Hayley Cheviot of Hancock, NH, and Morgan Tarr of Smyrna Mills, ME. He also leaves behind several family members and friends. Per Bob’s request, there will be no service at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www.bowersfuneral.com.
