Robert H. Barstow

BARSTOW, Robert H. Portage Bob passed away Friday morning, February 4, 2007 at his home. He was born November 3, 1919 in Ithaca, Michigan. Bob moved to Kalamazoo when he was a baby and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. He enrolled at Western Michigan University, where he attended until a1941 when Bob enlisted into the United States Army in November 1941. He was assigned to 51st Armored Infantry, then the 4th Armored Division in July 1942. Bob stayed with the 51st until the war ended. Following his time in the Army, Bob continued his education at Western Michigan University and graduated in 1948, then from the University of Michigan in 1953. Mr. Barstow worked as a caseworker for the State of Michigan ? Department of Social Services, an administrator for the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Court, State Director for the Adoptions and Child Placement Agency, and Associate Director for Juvenile court Research Center. He was later appointed as full professor Director of the School of Social Work at Western Michigan University until his retirement in 1983. On July 10, 1948, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Tefft in Kalamazoo, who survives. Also surviving are their 3 children, Tim Sandra Barstow of Wyoming, Dawn John Eastes of Tennessee, and Kay David Clark of Portage; and 3 grandchildren, Andrew Eastes and Ashley and Kyle Clark. Preceding him in death is his mother, Ella Helmer Barstow. Services and military honors will be at 11:00 AM on Monday at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services or Robert Barstow Scholarship Fund at Western Michigan University - School of Social Work.