Robert C. Barner Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert C. Barner – age 87 formerly of Holly, passed away Thursday, February 3, 2022. Bob was born May 8, 1934 in Pontiac the son of L.C. Barner and Lulubelle (McGee). Graduated from Central Michigan University and belonged to Delta Sigma Phi. He married Dorothy Cairns on August 27, 1955. Bob retired from Pierce Junior High School in Waterford, MI where he taught 7th and 8th grade math for 32 years. He also worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a park ranger and law enforcement officer. Bob also served as a school board member for Holly Area Schools. He loved the outdoors and loved to hunt, fish, golf and grow dahlias. Self-proclaimed “The Dahlia King” he grew his flowers for 60 years and shared his passion with others through teaching them his craft and gifting many bouquets to his “special” people. His flowers were his pride and joy, second only to his family. He took them to dahlia shows where he won numerous blue ribbons and had several obtain the recognition of belonging to the Table of Honor. Bob’s other passions were singing (harmonizing), reading, playing cribbage and raising his beagles but above all he loved to put a smile on people’s faces through his life’s stories and just being himself. Surviving are his two daughters, Robin (Gary) Carne of Holly and Karen (Donald) Lee of Farmington Hills. Four grandchildren Shane (Maria) Carne of Zeeland, MI, Joel (Ainsley) Carne of Warsaw, IN, Melissa Lee of Columbus, OH and Matthew Lee of Farmington Hills, MI. Great granddaughter Aubree Carne of Zeeland, MI; his second wife’s children and their families: Dave and Christine Cope, Chris and Gail Rink, and Debbie and James Tiller, and Rob Rowland; special friend Joni Basil and all the “special” ladies at Fox Run. Preceded in death are his parents, wife Dorothy and second wife, Sally Rowland-Barner, and brother Bruce Barner. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Robert C. Barner

May 8, 1934 - February 3, 2022