Robert Dale Barnes

Robert Dale Barnes, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away unexpectedly July 30, 2020. He was born on April 3, 1932 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Elmer and Dorothy Barnes. Robert, known by his friends as Bob, graduated from Shortridge High School, in 1951. He worked for 40 years as a journeyman pipefitter at National Starch and Chemical Corporation, retiring in 1998.

Bob was a 32nd Degree Mason and belonged to the Murat Temple Shrine. He also belonged to the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Bob loved his family, and his family loved him too. To know him was to love him.

Bob enjoyed many activities such as boating, fishing, and hunting. He melted lead and made his own bullets. Bob passed the Navy’s rugged scuba diving course offered at the YMCA, and then went on to enjoy scuba diving. He liked motorcycle riding, owned a Harley and was a member of Abate. He built huge model airplanes and flew them by radio control at the flying field.

One of Bob’s greatest loves was playing the trumpet. He studied under some of the very best, such as Robert Schultz in the SHS Band, and later Delbert Dale and also Charlie Conrad.

Bob gave his daughter and grandson both trumpet lessons from the astute Charlie Conrad and henceforth they were both first chair trumpet players and section leaders all through their high school years .When Tiffany graduated from WCHS in 1991 her Band Director John Hilmer presented Tiffany with the coveted Arian Music Award on Senior Honors Night. Tim auditioned and went to the Trumpet Nationals in Washington D.C. two years in a row and did very well.

Bob had the honor of playing in the Murat Temple Band. He was deeply honored when he was invited to join the prestigious 90 piece Scottish Rite Orchestra and he rehearsed and performed with both these groups for about 40 years or more.

He also was a long standing member of the Music Men Dance Band who played for the Friday night dances at the Murat Temple for years, as well as joining the Greenwood Community Band and performing all the Sunday night summer concerts at Surina Park and winter concerts at their Greenwood H.S. Auditorium.

He is preceded in death by his parents, mentioned above, and his oldest son, Timothy Barnes, who just passed away last summer in 2019.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra “Sandy” Barnes; son, Terry Barnes; and his daughter, Tiffany Barnes Catellier, who is married to his son-in-law, Donald Catellier.

He is also survived by his former daughter-in-law, Connie Barnes Smith, and his one and only grandson, Tim Barnes and his one and only great grandson, Fisher Barnes.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes to be cremated and not to have any funeral services. His arrangements are being handled by Legacy Cremation and Funeral Service-Lawrence. There is no funeral service, so there is no need for flowers, however, in lieu of flowers, any written condolences to Bob’s widow and family would be greatly appreciated and can be sent directly to Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services at 5215 N. Shadeland Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46226.

It would mean an awful lot if you would sign Bob’s Guest Book online.

Burial will be at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN.