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Robert J. "Bob" Barlett, 74, of Lewistown, answered his final call on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Greenwood Village.
Born Nov. 23, 1951, in Lewistown, he was the son of the late Charles Barlett and Kathryn (Colyer) Rupert. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edwina "Winnie" Barlett, in 2015.
Bob leaves behind his devoted children, Brian Barlett and his wife, Carena, of McClure, and Ryan Barlett and his companion, Amber Wright, of Lewistown; his cherished grandchildren, Sidney and Dillon; his sister, Jolene Colyer, of Lewistown; his niece, Nichol Sheridan; and his godchildren, Willie, Britney, and Colton Baumgardner, and Kristie, Isaac, and David Ross.
Bob was a proud graduate of Rothrock High School, Class of 1970. For 29 years, Bob faithfully served the Mifflin County School District as a custodian before retiring in 2016. He was also a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, proudly cheering on his Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins.
But for Bob, service was more than a profession, it was a way of life.
At just 16 years old, in 1968, Bob answered his first call to serve when he joined the McVeytown Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter. Seven years later, in 1975, he joined the City Hook & Ladder Fire Company, beginning what would become more than five decades of dedicated service to the Lewistown community.
Throughout his distinguished career with City Hook & Ladder and the Lewistown Fire Department, Bob held nearly every level of leadership, beginning in 1983 and serving as Lieutenant, Captain, District Chief, and ultimately Lewistown Fire Chief. His leadership was built not simply on experience, but on a genuine commitment to the people he served and the firefighters alongside whom he stood.
His dedication extended well beyond responding to emergencies. Bob served as President of the City Hook & Ladder Fire Company and the City Social Club, Chairman of the Lewistown Borough Fire Committee, the Mifflin County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and the Mifflin County FireEMS Association. He earned numerous certifications throughout his years of service, including Firefighter II, Pennsylvania Department of Health Vehicle Rescue Specialist, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Emergency Medical Technician.
Bob understood that being a firefighter meant being there when others needed you most. Whether responding to a call, helping organize an event, lending a hand to a friend, or simply spending time with those he loved, he had a gift for making people feel welcome. He genuinely cared about others and formed friendships that reached far beyond the firehouse.
That same spirit of community was evident in Bob's involvement in the victory celebrations for the Lewistown Lady Panthers following their back-to-back PIAA State Championship seasons in 1996-97 and 1997-98. He took great pride in being part of the celebrations that brought the community together.
He was also a member of McVeytown Masonic Lodge No. 376.
For more than 50 years, Bob wore the title of firefighter with pride. He answered alarms in the middle of the night, stood beside his fellow firefighters when the call was difficult, led when leadership was needed, and devoted countless hours to a community he loved. His legacy will not be measured only by the calls he answered, but by the lives he touched, the friendships he forged, and the example of service he leaves behind.
Firefighters often live by the simple promise to be there when the call comes. Bob kept that promise for more than five decades.
Now, after a lifetime of answering the call, the final alarm has sounded, and Bob can rest knowing that he gave his all in service to others.
His family and countless friends will carry his memory forward with gratitude for a life so faithfully lived and a call so faithfully answered.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at King-Barr Funeral Home, 120 Logan Street, Lewistown. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor Randy Traxler officiating.
Interment will take place in Juniata Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lewistown City Hook & Ladder, 317 Valley St, Lewistown, PA 17044.
Online condolences can be shared at www.kingbarrfuneralhome.com.