From Barbara [Mrs. Dr. George] Stulac as we think for her dear father and our friend … remembering for all those others who fought that we might be free!
“Dear Family and Friends,
“’[Grandson] Warren used to say to me, ‘Poppy is going to live to be 100!’ Although he only made it to 97 on this earth, we know that he is more alive than he ever was here as he now lives in the presence of the Lord for eternity!
“So, today is a day [May 2021] to give thanks as we remember ‘Dear Old Dad,’ Poppy, Bob, Uncle Bob, or Brows! He certainly blessed all of us in the Bareford and Stulac families, and we remember him with great fondness. Dad was a great family man, a real patriot, a solid Christian believer, and a fun guy (and did you ever see him figure skate or sail a boat?)! He was certainly fortunate to be married for 76 faithful years to our wonderful Mom/Grammy. I am grateful that I was able to be with them in the twilight years of their lives.
Enjoy all your good memories of Poppy … !”
Copy below is as it was written and posted on our ministry website in 2014
Sgt. Robert (Bob) Bareford, now age 93 (now in heaven), landed on Omaha Beach on D–Day, June 6, 1944 – 70 years earlier at age 23, from when this radio conversation was broadcast on Bott Radio in St. Louis, MO.
His first-person experiences and observations are gripping and powerful! His great stories of the experience help us appreciate the price paid by our members of the Armed Services to purchased and defend our freedoms.
You can hear them…here and now.
Part 1 Sgt. Bob Bareford:
Part 2 Barbara Stulac:
At the time of the recording, he and his bride of 72 years (at the time of the recording) live in “Friendship Village” in the St. Louis, MO, area. They are the parents of Barbara Stulac, wife of Dr/Pastor George Stulac, soon concluding 33-years of serving Jesus and Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis.
The show even has an upside of humor. When he mentioned that he had been married for 72 years, I asked him: “Do you think it will last?”
“We’re working on it!” he quickly responded. I suggested that his daughter and son-in-law should be available for counseling!
Sgt Bareford was not a Jesus-follower in 1944, but is now! His numerous, gripping stories in the interview include the fact that his wife’s 18-year-old (at the time) brother … Barbara Stulac’s uncle … is buried near where he died during the time of the invasion. The family expresses joy that their beloved young man is in Heaven, having previously taken advantage of God’s offer of forgiveness in Christ. Sgt Bareford came to saving faith later… around age 30.
A moving video wherein Sgt Bareford summarizes his invasion memories — 2 ½ minutes in length – is available for anytime viewing by clicking on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsPFiEOlo2o. With a powerful 70th Anniversary D-Day film being shown in the St. Louis Science Center’s I-Max Theater (at the time of this recording), the Bareford video (see the link above) is shown preceding the D-Day I-Max film to the thousands attending.
Be thankful to God … and be thankful for our freedoms for which our fellow Americans fought and died … as you experience the unforgettable D-Day story of Sgt. Bob Bareford.