Robert James Barkman

Robert James Barkman, Sr., 75, of Decatur, passed away in his residence on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newell Chapel – 83313 M51, Decatur, MI 49045. Bob was born on December 25, 1943 in Detroit, MI to the late James and Agnes (Miller) Barkman. He served his country while in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era being stationed in Okinawa, Japan. On November 10, 1990 in Decatur he married Ann Miller. Bob was one of the original employees at Specialite in Decatur, working from 1988 until his stroke forced him to retire in 2008. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur; in his early days he delivered telegrams on his Cushman; was a shoe cobbler; and dearest to his heart was being a dedicated farming specialist. Bob also celebrated 30 years of sobriety. Bob is survived by his wife Ann; children – James (Dana) Barkman of Oregon, OH and Patricia (Eric) Weck of Delton, MI; step-children – Larry Stafford of Decatur and Ginger (Stafford) Snook of Birmingham, AL; many grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren; brother – Reinnier VanBruggen of Galesburg, MI; sisters – Sadie Payne of Gobles, MI, Betty (Roger) Peebles of Parchment, MI, and Barbara (Tim) Sitar of Paw Paw, MI; also many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father Reinnier “Red” VanBruggen, son Robert Barkman, Jr.; sister Sandra Bennett and sister-in-law Sheryl VanBruggen. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 18, 10:00am, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur with Father Mike Rejent officiating. Burial will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Barkman family. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.newellchapel.com