Robert Walter Bartley

September 6, 1958-November 11, 2022

Robert Walter Bartley, Jr., age 64, of Okemos, Michigan, passed away at Sparrow Hospital, on Friday, November 11, 2022.

Robert, or “BOB”, as many affectionately called him, was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, by his father, Robert Walter Bartley, Sr., and his mother, GeorgA Bartley, alongside his siblings: Robin, Barry, Deb, and Noel.

On March 23, 1984, Robert married Jeri Lynne Brown, and became a “Bonus-Dad” to Jeri’s daughter, AmyJo. The three of them, along with their family dog, Skippy, and AmyJo’s friends, spent many a weekend at Sage Lake, on the speed-boat, tubing, skiing, snowmobiling, playing cribbage, and fishing. He was always willing to teach “the girls” how to do something: drive a car with a stick-shift, drive a snowmobile, drive a boat, clean a fish, play cribbage, play “Oh, Hell”, he was always teaching someone how to do something, he took pride in the lesson.

Robert could usually be found in his garage working on, repairing, and restoring either one of his vintage vehicles, or assisting someone else with their vehicle. He was always willing to teach others how to keep their engines running and he was always willing to drive on over to your house last minute to “take a look” and see “what’s going on.”

His first car, a 1965 dark blue poly, two-door, with a white hard top, Plymouth Belvedere, was purchased when he was just fifteen! He sold it, and years later, he found it AGAIN at a garage sale and rebuilt it AGAIN, and even traveled to Mount Clemens, with his little brother, Noel, for the Route 66 Travelling Car Tour! His most beloved vehicle was a 1957 Adobe Beige and Sierra Gold Chevy that he purchased for $40, on 96th Avenue, in Yakima, Washington, down the road from his Uncle Jack and Aunt Marie! He also loved his Citron Yellow MG, and his Yellow Volkswagen Bug!

From a very young age, Robert’s passion for automobiles was apparent. Along with other body shops and dealerships, as a teen and young adult, Robert worked at Dave’s Corvettes, Kitsmiller RV, and Pryor Auto Body. After a few decades of working for someone else, his lifelong dream of owning his own shop finally came true when he opened Engine Machine Service, LLC, with his friend, Dave. Robert was so proud of his business and all it offered.

Robert also loved travelling to visit family and friends, going to the “races” at the speedway, visiting the casino, fishing, collecting coins and vintage toys, and surrounding himself with those he loved.

Robert was preceded in death by both of his parents; his brother, Barry Bartley; his sister, Deb Guzek; and his nephew, Brent Bartley.

He is survived by his wife, Jeri; daughter, AmyJo Duckett (Tico, Jackie, Mario, Harmony, Tru, and Jayden); sister, Robin Bartley (nephew Adam); brother-in-law, Pete Guzek (nephew Gene and niece Lori); sister-in-law, Jody Bartley (nephew Todd Bartley/Kristin/McKenna); brother and best friend, Noel and sister-in-law, Cindy (Cindy Lee, Nichole, Tori, and Chelsea).

Robert had some wonderful friendships, and he was very thankful to have these humans in his life: Oscar, Steve, Kam, and John.

Robert was “PAPA” to his grandkids, and they will miss him dearly. They squealed with delight whenever they found out that they were headed over to Nana and Papa’s house to play and hang out! They loved their “Doughnut Parties” with Papa, and they loved when Papa read to them, and they loved when Papa taught them how to put something together.

Robert wanted those who loved him to remember the “Good times”, the times when “We were all together” and the times when “We filled the room with laughter!”