Robert Barnhouse (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Robert “Bob” Barnhouse, age 67, of Bolivar passed away at 6:00pm on Monday, February 10, 2015 at his home after a lingering illness.
He was born November 9, 1947 in Bolivar, the son of William Henry “Barney” Barnhouse and Allean Dorce Lunceford Barnhouse. He was the seventh of eight children in the family. He was a lifelong resident of Bolivar and a member of First Baptist Church in Bolivar.
Bob worked for Bolivar Lumber Co. then bred cows for Curtiss breeding Service and drove bus #6 for Bolivar R-1 Schools. He also worked cattle and caught cattle for local farmers.
His first son Justin, was born in 1975. In 1981 he Married the love of his life, Kelly Phillips and to this union two sons were born; Clayton Jerrad in 1983 and Jason Robert in 1986.
In 1975, he started B&B Wrecker Service and has owned and operated it, raising his boys to take over. There was no job he couldn’t handle. He was determined to get the job done. He loved working with his many friends with the Highway Patrol, law enforcement and area rescue agencies.
In 1984, he started B&B trailer Sales selling trailers which turned into B&B sales where he and the boys sold trailers, hay beds, and farm equipment in 1989 he added B&B Mini Storage and Bolivar Taxi Service, along with being the local U-Haul Dealer for 25 years. Bob’s Joy was working with his family on the farms and with the Cattle. He loved to check his cattle and see the new calves born in the spring. He also hauled cattle with the boys for area farmers.
In recent years he enjoyed visiting at the office and looked forward to seeing his many friends drop by.
He is preceded in death by, his parents; William and Allean Barnhouse, two brothers; Bill Barnhouse and Charles Barnhouse. One sister; Doris Blankinship. Three brother in laws; Charles Matthews, John Skidmore and Robert Hood. One nephew; Jimmy Hood.
Bob is survived by his wife; Kelly Barnhouse of the home; three sons; Justin Barnhouse of Bolivar, Clay Barnhouse of Bolivar, and Jason and Lindsey Barnhouse of Bolivar. Three grandchildren; Blair Barnhouse, Millie Barnhouse and JD Barnhouse. Four sisters; Rose Matthews of Springfield, IL; Pat Hood of Bolivar, MO; Janet Skidmore of Springfield, MO; Linda Benner of Independence, MO. Mother and father in law; Jerry and Nina Phillips of Bolivar, MO; two sister in laws; Jan and David Russell of Bolivar, MO and Bernice Barnhouse of Bolivar, MO; one brother in Law; Ray Blankinship and a host of many nieces, nephews and friends.
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