"Robert Athon Barnes, 81, president and manager of the Parkway Realty & insurance Co and pioneer resident of Silver City, passed away Sunday morning at Hillcrest General hospital following a brief illness. His death occurred on his 35th wedding anniversary. Born in Bedford, Indiana, June I, 1877, his early adult life was spent in the theatrical world as head of his own stock company, which toured the United States and Canada. Also, over a period of years, he was a national crusader against illegal traffic in narcotics, lecturing before colleges and, high schools. His first job in New Mexico was at Deming where he served a short time as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1924 he married Lottie Abraham and had resided here for 35 years. He was best known as Bob Athon, his stage name. He took an active and leading part in all activities for the progress of the community and had utmost faith in the progress of Silver City and Grant County and expansion of its metal mining and livestock industries. He had a happy philosophy of life instilled in him during the early years he was engaged in show business. His philosophy was contagious among his wide circle of friends and business associate. For more than 50 years Mr. Athon was a member of the Walla Walla, Washington, Elks Lodge and a life member. His lodge activities continued here with the Elks. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows Lodges and Taper Rebekah Lodge at Bayard, and was affiliated with the Grant County Realtors, the New Mexico State Realtors and the Chamber of Commerce. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Cox Mortuary chapel, the Rev. Charles S. Walker, of the First Methodist Church officiating. Ritualistic services also were held by the IO.O.F. Lodge, followed by committal rites at the graveside in the Masonic cemetery by officers of the Elks Lodges. Serving as pallbearers were FL. L. Wilson, G. 0. Burchfield, L. P. Barto, Bob Gillespie, George Gaylord, Clifton L. Reed. Honorary pallbearer was R. L. Saunders." [from Robert Athon Barnes`s 1959 obituary]