- Date Of Birth: July 26, 1936
- Date Of Death: August 30, 2016
- State: Indiana
Robert I. Barnhart, Jr., 80, of Indianapolis, passed away on August 30, 2016. He was born on July 26, 1936, in Indianapolis to the late Robert I. and Arnola (Buis) Barnhart, Sr. Bob was married to Lois Ann (Strong) Barnhart.
Bob’s primary employer was International Harvester located on Brookville Road in Indianapolis where he invested over 36 very dedicated years. This plant was responsible for manufacturing the popular V8 diesel engine for Ford Motor Company’s 250 and 350 pick-up trucks. He served as Superintendent of Maintenance for many of those 36 years.
Bob, better known as “Mr. B” by the Indycar Racing community was a long time crew member of A.J. Foyt Racing, (26 years). Bob was responsible for tire management on the team and was identified by many as always having a smile on his face and able to offer a kind remark, no matter what the situation. Bob, along with his Tire Management partner Cecil Taylor, became icons as they could always be found at or near A.J.’s side. Over those years, an inseparable bond was formed between A.J. and Mr. B. They loved each other like brothers and they were loyal to each other to the very end.
In addition to the various other races on the Indycar schedule, Mr. B was able to attend / participate in sixty three consecutive Indy 500 Mile Race events. Through the years, Mr. B was able to take part in several Indycar race wins, two Indycar championships and one Indy 500 victory, (1999 with Kenny Brack as driver). Mr. B viewed his Indycar friends as his racing family! Indycar Racing was his passion. He will be sorely missed by many!
Bob is survived by his wife Lois A. Barnhart; children Brett I. (Debbie), Brian D. (Angela) and Curt M. (Kelly) Barnhart; sister Patricia Huey; grandchildren Phillip Michael (Kim) Barnhart, Tony (Lindsay) Barnhart, Amanda (John Dininger) Senac, Sarah, Megan, Samuel and Justin Barnhart and ten great grandchildren.
