Robert L. Barley 1938-2019
After a long fight with prostate cancer, Bob died on June 2, 2019, in Bonita Springs, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan (nee Becker) Barley, and son Peter Barley (Tabby), daughter Jennifer Barley (Karen Sullivan), and grandson, Jude Barley.
Bob was born in Buffalo, NY, and received a BS from Valparaiso University, a MBS from University of Detroit, and completed the Harvard University School of Business’ Program for Leadership Development (PLD).
He retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 1992, after working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad for 23 years. He worked in data communications, Information & Control Systems, TCS technology development and maintenance, and the Data Centers in both St. Louis and Omaha.
Bob was a passionate fisherman, a dedicated boater, and an avid golfer. Later he found a new love with bridge and enjoyed an amazingly supportive group of friends. Besides his love and devotion to his family, he also loved theatre, to travel, listen to jazz, learn and play jazz piano, and root for the Cardinals. His fondest memories include coaching and managing “little league” baseball, softball, and basketball teams, numerous fishing trips to Canada and Louisiana, The Jazz Cruise, NYC trips, Table Rock Lake, Bonita Beach, St. Louis (especially the Central West End), Theta Chi brothers, tournament bass fishing, and the River Runner Mississippi trip. A memorial service is being planned to be held in St. Louis later this summer.
Bob requested memorial gifts be given to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, 130 Edgar Road, St. Louis, MO 63119.
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We thank Bob for the many contributions he made to the success of Missouri Pacific Railroad. May he rest in eternal peace.