Roger Barney's Obituary
Roger Barney, 65, of East China Twp. died August 31, 2016, after a short battle with cancer. Roger was born July 8, 1951, in Detroit to Russell and Ethel (Tyler) Barney. Roger graduated from Marine City High School. He honorably served his country from 1971 to 1973 with the U.S. Marine Corps and with the Marine Corps Reserves from 1973 to 1977. Roger then went on to work for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Harsens Island for 35 years. Roger married Josette (Heilman) Barney in 1975, celebrating over 40 years of marriage.
Anyone who knew Roger always thought of him as a strong, loyal and caring man who would do anything for anyone. His family meant everything to him; his love for his grandchildren and his relationships with them was one of the most important parts of his life. Roger was an extremely dedicated and hard worker who gave so much of himself whether it was in farming, rebuilding starters, chopping wood or painting, he always helped those who needed it regardless of the task.
Roger loved the outdoors; hunting and fishing were two sports he enjoyed the most as well as playing baseball with his grandkids.
Roger is preceded in death by his father, Russell Barney. He is survived by his wife Josette, his sons Russell (Rebecca) and Ryan (Kate), his brother Russell (Regina) Barney of Belgium and 6 grandchildren who he loved dearly: Austin, Carter, Alexis, Hunter, Alyssa and Wyatt. When Roger married in to the Heilman family he was blessed with an extended family of 3 brothers in law and 7 sisters in law and Elizabeth Heilman, his mother in law who treated him as one of her own and blessed him with her love and caring ways.
Funeral mass will be Monday September 5th at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Clair. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery. Visiting hours are Sunday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. and Monday 10:15 to 11 a.m. prior to mass at church. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. To leave a message of comfort please visit www.youngcolonial.com
What’s your fondest memory of Roger?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roger?
Share a story where Roger's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roger you’ll never forget.
How did Roger make you smile?

