Robert Barnes Obituary

Robert Anthony Barnes was born April 20, 1958, in Corpus Christi, TX to Barbara and Robert L. Barnes. Robert, the oldest of four brothers, a fierce protector and big brother to William, Richard and Daniel, and an exceptional athlete. Robert attended and played for SMU where he majored in history and played offensive guard and deep snapper. Robert had a few different careers, all of which involved athletics in some capacity. After college he was a free agent with the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs and played for two years in the USFL with the Chicago Blitz and Coach George Allen. Robert worked as an Illinois State Trooper, spent time in Dallas as the athletic director and football head coach for Dallas Jesuit and spent many years as a teaching golf pro/director of golf in Texas, California, and Nevada.
In 2018 Robert moved back to Texas and worked at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands, where he taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade history as well as coaching the football team. Robert enjoyed his time at Saint Anthony and often spoke fondly of many of the children and their families. Some of his teacher friends shared with us how he would come and visit the kindergartners during nap time and encouraged them to nap by lying on the floor with them. He loved to cheer on the Texans and Astros, and recently the Detroit Lions due to his nephew, Matthew working for the organization. Robert was an avid fisherman, often taking trips back to Mammoth, CA to go fishing with his college roommate and best friend, Mike Jusko and his wife Debra. Robert was happiest with his line in the water and good company to pass the time.
Robert had the ability to command every room he was in, not just because of his large stature but because of his infectious personality, humor, and ability to find a common interest with anyone. We will miss his smile and giant hugs terribly, but we find peace in knowing he is strong again.
Robert is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara and father Robert L. He is survived by his brothers and sister in laws, William (Jane) Barnes, Richard (Trudy) Barnes, Daniel (Jennifer) Barnes, his nieces and nephews Jared (Amy) Barnes, Jacob (Carrina) Barnes, Matthew (Claire) Barnes, Kevin (Amanda) Barnes, Christopher (Mallory) Barnes, as well as his great nieces and nephews, Deklan, Karielle, Charlotte, Bennett and Mary Kate Barnes, as well as his cousins Kathy and Ted Norland, and former spouse and friend Amy Schmidt. Along with the countless other family and friends who were fortunate enough to be loved by Robert.
Towards the end of his life, Robert's family took on the task of being his full-time caregiver. They provided him with peace, love and most importantly, dignity. Robert was a proud man and never wanted to burden others or ask for help. The Barnes family worked tirelessly to make sure Robert knew he was loved and never alone.
A celebration of life will be held in the next few months with further details to follow. To send flowers to the family of Robert, please visit our floral store.