Obituary of Robert Eual Barnett

Robert Eual Barnett was born in Rockwood, Tennessee on September 30, 1948.   He was the second oldest of four children born from the union of the late Eual Merlin Barnett and the late Helen Louise (Thurman) Barnett.   Rob attended Walled Lake Schools.  

In 1968, Rob would take employment with the Ford Motor Company.   He would work at the Wixom Plant as a fork-lift operator and tug driver for forty years until his retirement in 2006.  

He was a proud member of United Auto Workers Local 36 achieving his plant seniority on January 23, 1968.   Rob married the love of his life, the former, Nancy Lee Merkle, on October 1, 1966.   The couple would be blessed with children.   Rob was a hard worker and an excellent provider for his family.   He was a devoted husband and father.   Rob was also a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather, lovingly bestowed with the title of Pappy.  

More than anything he enjoyed spending time with loved ones.   He enjoyed traveling, camping, and spent countless hours at the family cottage in Standish, South of West Branch.   Riding four wheelers with his grandchildren, son and sons-in-law was a favorite pastime.   Rob also had a passion for riding his motorcycle, boating and sailing, and woodworking.  

Robert Eual Barnett, age 72, of Commerce passed away at 3:20am on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.   In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his step-mother:  Wiletta Barnett; and a granddaughter:  Maddison Barnett; and In-laws: Robert and Doris Merkle.

To cherish his memory he leaves a beloved wife of fifty-four years:  Nancy Barnett of Commerce; two daughters:  Kimberlee (William) Robel of Webberville, Michigan and Kellie (Frank) Worley of Commerce; one son:  Robert M. E. (Tanya) Barnett of Fowlerville; one brother:  Merlin Eugene “Bud” (Debbie) Barnett, two sisters:  Katrina (Ron) Gasiorowski and Patricia (Kevin) Derry; four grandchildren:  Aleecia Mehay (Nick Laurie), Frankie J. Worley, Robert Michael Eual “R.J.” (Sydney) Barnett II, and Lynnze Barnett (Luke Hazelton); and two great grandchildren:  Evrett Eual Barnett and Kinslee Barnett.

A private memorial service is being planned at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake.   Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with his arrangements.

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