Robert D. (Bob) Bartlett, 78, of Midland, passed away peacefully on Jan. 24, 2012, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center after a brief illness.
Bob was born on July 9, 1933, in Midland, the son of the late Leonard and Bernice (Thorpe) Bartlett. He married the former Marilyn Hollingshead on Oct. 11, 1953.
Bob attended Midland High School, graduating in 1952. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Conflict for two years. Upon his return from the war, he worked at The Dow Chemical Co., retiring after 33 years of service in the Michigan Division. Bob was a charter member of the Midland Concert Band, and spent many hours perfecting his "trombone" performances. He was an Elder in the Community of Christ Church for 39 years and took great pride in knowing that he performed the wedding ceremonies for over 40 couples. He and Marilyn spent time traveling, camping, attending and participating in antique car shows and church events. Bob was a very creative man and enjoyed designing, building, fixing and sharing his talents with others.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 58 years, Marilyn, is his daughter, Susan (Jeff) Meath of Midland; his three sons, James (Lori) Bartlett of Edmond, Okla., Michael Bartlett of Lake Tapps, Wash., and David (Debbie) Bartlett of Winter Springs, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Lynn (Williams) Bartlett of Midland; grandchildren, Shannon, Erik, Stephanie and Sydnie Meath, Josh (Nikki), Sarah, Kyle, Brandon, Jessica, Karl, Ashley and Alec Bartlett; brothers Donald Bartlett, Jerry (Mary Lou) Eatherton and Larry (Sandy) Eatherton; sister Karen (Lee) Ourth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff Bartlett, on Jan. 29, 2008; his parents and brother, Len Bartlett.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., with Elder Pat Sibbald and Elder Earl Klement officiating. Mr. Bartlett's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Community of Christ, Sanford, or The Midland High School Music Program.
As Bob always said, "Keep the Faith" and "Thank You for your Support."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Becky Church
January 30, 2012
Sarah, very sorry to learn of your grandfathers passing. I've never known your grandfather but if he is anything like you is was a wonderful person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill Higgins
January 29, 2012
Marilyn and family, "Bob was a kind person. He "praised our Lord through sermons, prayer and music". Bob was a friend to everyone and will be missed. Bob- "You are with the "good Shepherd"
Mike, Jill, Jana and Ashley Higgins
Hal Smith
January 29, 2012
Marilyn,
Bob was a wonderful guy who I had the pleasure of knowing for many years. We always enjoyed talking cars and trombones whenever we saw each other. Bob was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Ann Johnston
January 29, 2012
Marilyn,
May the peace of God be with you and your family. Bob leaves a giant footprint as does your loving marriage.
With deepest sympathy,
Your cousin, Annie Johnston
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Nancy Breedlove
January 28, 2012
Marilyn and family,
Am sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I have had the chance each of you from church in Sanford. Bob was such a kind hearted, caring person, with a wonderful smile. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Breedlove
Don Musinski
January 28, 2012
Marilyn and family....Was sorry to hear about Bob..I had the pleasure of meeting him in my Foreman's Academy and enjoyed working with him on the Sylvan Pines Board..What a great guy !!!
January 27, 2012
Marilyn and Family---I was so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was certainly one special man! He was a friend to all, a great musician, had a wonderful sense of humor, and always a kind word for everyone! He will surely be missed. Keep your wonderful memories of him close to your heart. I wish that I were in Midland to pay my respects. I am surely thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. My sincere sympathy.
Glenda (DuBois) Klumpp
January 27, 2012
Bartlett Family,
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. I remember Mr. Bartlett always working in the yard, always building something, always busy. Giving neighborhood kids a ride on his motorcycle up and down Carol Ct. So many memories growing up.
Sandy Score-Buie
Florence, South Carolina
January 27, 2012
Jeff, Sue, kids, and the rest of the Bartlett clan-
We were very sorry to hear about your loss. I know how much he was loved by all of you. Marybeth, Rachel, and Becca
Rhoda March Shumake Filcek
January 26, 2012
Marilyn and family,
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Bob was a great man and will be missed by all. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. Let your precious memories give you comfort. May God grant you peace in this difficult time.
Rhoda
The Freeze Family
January 26, 2012
Bartletts,
We are thinking of and praying for your family.
So many good memories of Bob!
He will be missed by all.
Joe Sprague
January 26, 2012
I met Bob at a car show-he was such a nice sincere man. He will be missed.
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