ROBERT H. BARNEY

Robert "Bob" Barney went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the age of 98. Born in Detroit, MI on April 15, 1920, Bob was always a free spirit and proudly independent, leaving home at the age of 14 to make his way in the world. As a peacetime draftee, instead of going back to civilian life in 1941, Bob was automatically re-enlisted for the war effort. As the country geared up for war, the United States Army was taking volunteers for a new, elite unit, later to be known as the 101st Airborne. Bob volunteered for this duty and was soon learning demolition, how to drive tanks and trains, how to rig a parachute, and most important how to jump out of airplanes. Sent to England for the battles ahead, he stood near Eisenhower on the eve of D-Day and related how the General was honest and straight forward, as he told them many may not return. At 1:00 a.m. on D-Day, in the second plane to depart, he and his unit parachuted behind enemy lines, scattered across the countryside of Normandy. Bob never spoke much about that time, but we know he went on to fight in other campaigns including Market Garden, and Battle of the Bulge receiving a Bronze Star for his actions. After the War, Bob traveled to California where he worked at Firestone Tires. In March 1946, while having a drink at the Alibi Room on Pacific Coast Highway, he felt a cool breeze and was instantly in love with the long legs and fur coat that entered the room, and five months later he married his beautiful Dorothy. Bob went on to attend flight school, obtained his pilots license and aircraft mechanic certificate, then went to work in the aircraft industry where he spent his entire career, retiring from General Electric after many years of service. Following retirement, he and Dorothy moved to Bremerton, WA, where they lived for 25 years in what Bob lovingly called "Gods Country", eventually moving to Fresno in 2010, to be closer to family. Bob loved cars and airplanes and loved to work on both, trading in cars as new ones came out and building his own experimental aircraft. He had a love of reading and a memory that was extraordinary. Bob loved his wife and family and especially the great-grandkids who affectionately named him "Bad Bob". Dorothy and Bob attended Northpark Church and he particularly admired Pastor Bob Willis. Four days after his 98th birthday, while in the hospital, Pastor Bob was with him when he accepted Christ. Bob is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy M. Barney; sons, Terry Barney and wife Carol, and Ted Barney and wife Mandy; three grandchildren, Sara Hodge, Kari Reed, and Glyndon Barney; three great-grandchildren, Mason Hodge, Addison Hodge, and Eli Reed; and a sister, Leatha Oates of Arizona. For the last three years, Bob and Dorothy have resided at Oakmont Assisted Living where he met many new friends and enjoyed great conversation. Bob's family would like to thank all the staff at Oakmont, but in particular the care providers, LVN's, and med tech's for the loving kindness and respect that they demonstrated during his final days. A Celebration of Life will be held at Oakmont on Friday, June 2, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. Remembrances may be made to Central Valley Honor Flight, c/o Central Valley Community Foundation, 5260 N. Palm, Ste. 122, Fresno, CA 93704.