Obituary of Robert Barden

Robert E. (Barstool) Barden (86) Lifelong St. Maries resident, died Jan. 18, 2012 at St. Maries, ID. He was born September 27, 1925 to Ruben and Myrtle Barden at St. Maries. As a young man in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of War on the Battleship U.S.S. Iowa. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to St. Maries. He married Margaret Spooner June 22, 1950 at Coeur d' Alene, ID . They made their home in St. Maries. In 1955, he worked in the mines in the Silver Valley for one year. He returned to St. Maries and worked as a truck driver in the timber industry. He drove logging trucks for Potlatch, Gary Becktel and Larry Nelson. His wife died June 14, 1968. He worked as a Marine Deputy and served on the Benewah Co. Sheriff's Posse for a period of time. He operated a mail route from St. Maries to Avery in 1984 to 1987. He had another marriage that ended in divorce. Bob, in the latter years of his working career, drove chip truck for Buell Trucking and worked part time in his retirement for St. Maries Concrete as a driver. He officially retired in 1995. Bob was a lifetime member of the St. Maries Elks and Eagles Lodges. He was also a member of the St. Joe Boat Club. He enjoyed boating, watching his grand- kids play sports , putting his personal touch and detail into all of his vehicles. He also enjoyed spending time with the crew at the Junction Drive-in. Bob is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and Rick Farrell, Kelly Pugh , and Jayme and Bill Kachelmier all of St. Maries. Tana and Terry Nichols of Post Falls, ID. Sons and daughters-in-law Doug and Sherry Barden and Greg Barden All of Fernwood, ID., Paul and Judy Barden, Collin and Shawna Barden all of St. Maries, ID, He is also survived by 16 Grandchildren, 14 Great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Cleo Spencer. Due to inclement weather, his graveside committal services will be held indoors at the St.Maries Elks Lodge on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10.30 A.M. with Deacon Floyd Turner officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service immediately at the St. Maries Elks Lodge. Visit his online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Robert Barden's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.