Robert Clinton “Pops” Barnes, 77, of Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026. Born on March 25, 1949, in Morrilton, Arkansas, Robert was the beloved son of Arlan “Red” Barnes and Sylvia Bishop Barnes. He grew up in Concord, California, and graduated from Clayton Valley High School before beginning a lifelong career in the skilled trades.

Like many young people of his generation, Robert embraced the free-spirited culture of Northern California during the early days of the Haight-Ashbury movement, where his lifelong love of music took root. He played guitar, formed a garage band with his sister, Helen, and his good friend, Les Olson, and carried his passion for music throughout his life, always enjoying live performances whenever he had the chance.

A man who never shied away from hard work, Robert built a life defined by determination, versatility, and an exceptional mechanical aptitude. As a teenager in California, he began working as a mechanic at a local gas station before taking on the demanding work of mining mercury on the slopes of Mount Diablo. He later spent many years operating heavy construction equipment, contributing to the expansion of facilities at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in California before continuing similar work in Belton, Texas, near Fort Hood.

Robert’s career also led him to Arkansas, where he worked on a commercial poultry farm. He ultimately concluded his career as Head of Maintenance at the Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain, a position that perfectly reflected his lifelong ability to build, repair, and maintain just about anything. Whether solving a difficult problem or lending a helping hand, Robert took great pride in a job well done and earned the respect of everyone who knew and worked alongside him.

Away from work, Robert loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing and, above all, loved making people laugh. He had a quick wit and was always ready with a joke the moment family or friends walked through the door. His infectious sense of humor, warm smile, and ability to brighten someone’s day made every gathering more memorable. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, leaving those around him with laughter and lasting memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlan Clinton “Red” Barnes and Sylvia Sibble Bishop Barnes; his stepmother, Patricia (Momma-Pat) Burnett; his brother, James Barnes; and his aunt Mary Jane Bishop Farrar.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Barnes and Robert’s longtime partner, Karen Morris; John Barnes and his wife, Deanna; Justin Iler and his wife, Colleen; his daughter, Laura Iler and her husband, Michael; his sisters, Helen Bailey and Tammy Samuels and her husband, David; his stepbrother, Brian Harris; nine grandchildren, Amanda, Zach, Brian, Kelsey, Addison, Jack, Mikaela, Allison, and Olivia; and seven great-grandchildren, Liam, Hallie, Makila, Monse, Kamryn, Wyatt, and Lillian. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Robert lived life on his own terms—with hard work, laughter, music, and an unwavering willingness to help others. Whether he was fixing something that was broken, casting a fishing line, telling a joke, or enjoying live music with family and friends, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter he inspired, and the family he loved so deeply. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, 823 Broadway Street, Quincy, Illinois. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m.

A separate celebration of Robert’s life will be held in Arkansas this fall, with a date to be announced.