Robert G. Barton

May 11, 1970 ~
January 20, 2025

Robert G. Barton, age 54, of Grand Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 20, 2025. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 5 years, Margaret “Maggie”; sons, Daniel (fiancée, Becca DeVries) Barton and Garrett Barton; step-daughter, Maria Zarbeck; father, Roger Barton; siblings, David and Mila Barton, Kevin and Cindy Barton, Linda Stearns; many nieces, nephews, and friends; and of course, his dog, Millie. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia “Ginny” Barton; and brother-in-law, David Stearns. Robert had a lust for life, loved being a musician and snowmobiling. He worked hard but played harder, was a jokester, enjoyed sitting by the pool and having campfires. A funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, January 25 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Dennis Gilbert officiating. Burial will be held at Plainfield Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, January 24, from 6-8 pm as well as on Saturday from 10-11 am prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make memorial contributions to Gift of Life.

Visitation: Friday, January 24 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Visitation
Friday, January 24
6:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Kentwood
4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 455-1535

Visitation: Saturday, January 25 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Visitation
Saturday, January 25
10:00am - 11:00am

MKD - Kentwood
4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 455-1535

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 25 | 11:00am

Funeral Service
Saturday, January 25
11:00am

MKD - Kentwood
4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 455-1535

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 27, 2025

I'm so sad to hear about Robbie. My heart goes out to his family. My prayers will be for comfort.

- Nancy Patnoude

January 24, 2025

Rob you were not only a beautiful singer and performer, but you were such a kind soul. I will hold dear to all the great moments shared at events and the time we got to sing Alice in Chains together in tribute for Vrate. I know you are singing with our idols now at the great gig in the sky.

- Nathan Walton

January 24, 2025

Still can't believe it, so sorry for the loss.....

- Ryan Steagald

January 23, 2025

My Sincerest and most heart felt condolences to all his Family. 🥺❤️😔 Although I obviously wasn't a big part of his life as adults, Rob n' I had Fun in H.S.. Senior year Grad party we went "Toga"! We had a Riot of a good time... Imagine Aykroyd and Belushi... "Toga! Toga! Toga!"... it was Epic! and then we raced around in his Sweet Cutlass he had then, doing donuts in the parking lot... if all my memory serves me well... R.I.P. my old friend. 😔✌🏼❤️🎸 -Rick VanDyke

- Richard VanDyke

January 22, 2025

First time we met, 2005 at Champs Bar and Grill. I’m the new bike night bartender. You were singing with The Blind Squirrels. And then it began….one of the kindest, most genuine individuals I ever met. Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I find out your Dad is one of my restaurant regulars who is also, one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. My deepest condolences to you Roger, and all the family. My sincerest sympathies to your bandmates and huge group of close friends. Prayers for all of you. RIP Rob. You will be missed dearly.

- Randall and Sonya Bryant

January 22, 2025

Rob, being your friend and bandmate made me a better person. Your sense of humor ,passion for music and life brought forth love from all directions like a magnet, The Best kind of person! Your passing has left hard to fill holes in all of our hearts. My sincere condolences to Maggie, and to His Dad and Siblings.

- dale m devries

January 22, 2025

RIP Rob, you're one of a kind. You'll be missed by all your friends and family, for all the joy, laughter and fun you brought to work and life... we'll be sharing your memory and stories for the ages. My sincere condolences to all the family, you'll be in our thoughts and prayers during this increadibly difficult time. David

- David Grieve

January 22, 2025

I love you for being genuine, genius and generous! I wasn’t expecting I wouldn’t be watching you grow older than this period of time so our hearts are hurting. There’s so many memories to reflect on that brings us happiness. Mike enjoyed hunting camp with you and the gang. Give your Mom and Dave some love from us and we will keep loving you all as that is the only choice we have right now. Your smile will always make me smile! Until we meet again you will be missed! Rock on Rob🎶❤️

- Sherri and Mike Glover