Maj Robert Owens Bartlett, Sr. US Marine Corps (Ret.)

November 1, 1932 - July 26, 2021

Major Robert Owens Bartlett, Sr., US Marine Corps (Ret.), 88, of Columbia, died Monday, July 26, 2021. Born on November 1, 1932, in Dentsville, SC, he was a son of the late James Franklin Bartlett and Pauline Goodwin Bartlett. Bob honorably served in the US Marine Corps for 25 years. He was a Vietnam War veteran who earned many awards and commendations for his dedication to our country. Following his military career, he was employed with the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. His greatest joy in life was his family. Bob especially loved his annual birthday trip to the mountains with his wife and annual beach trip with his siblings. In his younger years, he enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Bob had a green thumb and took great pride in keeping an exquisite yard. Survivors include his wife, Frances Rabon Bartlett; children, Robert Owens Bartlett, Jr. and Arlene B. DuPre; grandchildren, Tyler DuPre, Colton DuPre, Rhiannon Illuzzi (Jonathan), Stevie E. Laughead, and Olivia Coward; three great grandchildren; siblings, Margie White, Louie Bartlett, Freddie Bartlett, and Billy Bartlett; and his four-legged companion, Riley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Frieda Fowler Bartlett; daughter, Elizabeth Jenny; stepson, Michael D. Stockton. Jr.; as well as his siblings, Jimmy Bartlett, Jean Bartlett, Eddie Bartlett, and Rocky Bartlett. The funeral service for Bob will be held 11 o’clock Friday, July 30th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC, with Rev. Joel Jones officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10 o’clock. Burial with full military honors will follow at 12 o’clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd., Columbia, SC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Babcock Center at 2725 Banny Jones Ave, West Columbia, SC 29170 or by visiting BabcockCenter.org.