Bob Barnes of Burr Ridge, formerly of Clarendon Hills, passed away Dec. 7, 2024.
Bob, 96, was born in 1928 in Pleasant Ridge, Mich., to Dr. Donald Jerome Barnes and Christine (Hedges) Barnes, RN. Bob's father was one of the first doctors to specialize in pediatrics. He had an older brother and sister, and a twin brother.
As a youth he enjoyed Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1942. He got his degree in biology from Central Michigan University In 1950. In 1951, he married Diane, and they lived in Newark, Ohio.
Work brought Bob to Park Forest, and their growing family led them to settle in Clarendon Hills in 1960. Bob and Diane were very active in village activities, including Community Presbyterian Church. In 2004 they moved to Godair Park in Burr Ridge.
In retirement Bob enjoyed painting and learning the art of blowing out and painting Ukrainian Easter Eggs. He volunteered as a docent at Brookfield Zoo and the Morton Arboretum, and was volunteer of the year several times at the Clarendon Hills Public Library. He also enjoyed traveling internationally and in the U.S. One of his favorite hobbies was fly fishing. He loved the outdoors, hiking and studying nature.
Bob was honored to be named an Illinois Artisan, which enabled him to show his work anywhere in the state of Illinois. His legacy is his artwork.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Diane; and his granddaughter, Flora Christine.
He is survived by his children, Jerome Barnes and Sally (Barnes) Robertson; his grandchildren, Sarah and Jason (currently serving in the U.S. Navy in Virginia); and four great-grandchildren, Isaak, Jensen, Emma Diane and Arty.
Celebrations of life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at King-Bruwaert House, 6101 S County Line Road, Burr Ridge; and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Community Presbyterian Church of Clarendon Hills, 39 N. Prospect Ave.
