Obituaries

Bob Oliver Barnes, age 89, of Chesterfield, MO passed away on July 16, 2025. He was born in Evanston, IL on May 9, 1936, of Don and Edna Barnes. He married his high school sweetheart Carol Cantrell after college, and they had three charming and intelligent children (Ken, Cathy and Andy, the authors of this text).

While at Michigan State University Bob switched majors when he learned about the packaging equipment engineering program that a roommate was in. He knew that his forte would be working with customers on sales rather than designing equipment and he pursued that path. He ultimately formed his own manufacturers’ rep firm and traveled the Midwest to introduce customers to the machines that he represented. Part of his success was a wonderful sense of humor that endeared him to all. In his spare time, he dropped by the antique stores along the way. He knew packaging and became a collector of antique packages that he encountered in these shops, amassing over 1,000 objects. Bob was active in Rotary for about 60 years and joined the weekly bowling teams. He also got introduced to the R&R Investment Club, where he served as head of the investment committee for many years. Post retirement Bob pursued his interest in stocks with greater vigor to provide more security to his family.

Bob is survived by Carol, his wife of 67 years, children Ken (Julie), Cathy (Tom) and Andy (Katrina), grandchildren Erin (Adam), Colin, Kelly and Booker. Bob is pre-deceased by his brothers Don and Bruce. Bob was dedicated to his family and had close relationships with many of his nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private burial at Bellefontaine Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life on August 9th at Manchester United Methodist Church in Manchester, MO.