Robert BarlassOf Altoona, IowaRobert Barlass, age 77, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep of sudden cardiac failure on May 1, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 24, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa.Robert graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1957, and served in the US Navy from 1957-1962 on the USS Roosevelt Ship. Upon his return he attended Chicago Tech studying engineering. Robert later began work for the City of Des Moines in the Right-of-Way engineering department. Some of his hobbies and interests included, woodworking and golfing. He had a love for all animals, especially his two dogs, Charlie and Gracie. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family.He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda; children, Tamara (Scott) Wallace, Laurie Talkington (Dallas Brown), and Michelle Lemke; grandchildren, Nicholas Wallace, Zachary Wallace, Grant Wallace, Jack Wallace, Drake Talkington, Natalie Talkington, Jacob Lemke, and Paige Lemke; sister, Barbara (John) Sheldon; nieces and nephews, Robert Sheldon, Mark Sheldon, and Kathryn Petty; and many extended family members and friends.Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Florelle Barlass.Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Robert.