Robert Joseph Barg's Obituary
Robert J. Barg entered the heavenly realm July 24, 2023 at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents (Hazel and John); his wife Sandra, whom he faithfully adored; her parents (Dorothy and Charles T. Rhodes); two brothers-in-law (Charles T. Rhodes Jr. and Ernest Frank Rhodes, Sr.); sisters-in-law (Eva Hurt, Patricia Rhodes, and Donna Rhodes); and his nephew (Frank Rhodes Jr.). He is survived by six admiring nieces and nephews and their children.
Bob was born with birth defects, most notably being deaf in his right ear. He did not allow this disability to create a hindrance, instead it drove him to attain great personal success. In the late Sixties, he left his childhood in the suburbs of Chicago to pursue his dream of becoming an electrical engineer in Memphis. He was determined to take his enduring devotion for his beloved Cubs baseball team wherever he went. Bob received his Bachelor’s degree from Christian Brothers University and subsequently earned his Master’s degree from University of Memphis. Bob retired in 2007 after a lengthy career as a Lead Engineer with MLGW. His brilliant design and implementation of electrical utility systems continue to serve the community today.
Bob was generous with his time and his money, diligently supporting causes he found worthy. He was a Lifetime Member of the NRA and enjoyed collecting firearms and historical artifacts and weapons. His Native American heritage naturally propelled his entertainment and intellectual pursuits toward Western films and increasing his knowledge of American History. Bob’s interest in the Civil War inspired him to begin collecting old US coins which ultimately led to intrigue of currency from other countries. Bob admired classic country music and disciplined himself to learn to play the guitar and write his own songs.
Bob never met a cup of coffee, a chocolate treat, or a dog he didn’t like. Through the years, he found so much joy in the companionship of his many delightful puppy dogs. His simple nature and gentle spirit made him so endeared by any man or creature he encountered. He would regale listeners with countless stories of his adolescent rebellion, which he always punctuated with a mischievous smile.
Bob’s character is worthy of imitation, as he was patient and long-suffering. He graciously accepted his lot in life and in every circumstance sought to accentuate the positive as he persevered.
Funeral Services for Bob will be conducted on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11:00am in the Fireside chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service starting at 10:00am.
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