Nestled away in the cozy Independence Hill Retirement Community, happily married couple Robert and Kathryn Barnes spend their days basking in the sunlight of their accomplishments and reflecting on past experiences that have shaped their treasured lives.

Growing up in the quaint city of Urbana, Ill., both Robert and Kathryn enjoyed a fulfilling and joyful upbringing. After meeting as children and progressing scholastically beside one another, the two became romantically involved during high school; a relationship that, unbeknownst to both, would grow into a 68-year story of compassion, trust – and love.

The two eventually graduated high school and following a short stint as a 2nd lieutenant, infantry platoon leader, Robert transferred to the Air Force, becoming a P-51 pilot in the Pacific before eventually retiring from the Reserves as a major. After several years of dating, the couple wed in 1941 and embarked on a collegiate career at the University of Illinois around the same time.

"Robert got his BA in 1942 and then graduated from the law school in 1948," Kathryn explains. "I was pursuing a degree in psychology, although I didn't complete the program."

Shortly after the couple's son, Field, was born in 1948, the Barnes relocated to McAllen where Robert's father had work connections. In 1951, the couple's second child, Barbara, was born just as the family was settling into their new home and much warmer climates. Taking initiative and becoming a savvy go-getter, Robert got his professional footing at a law firm in the area before discovering that a customhouse broker was needed just six miles from the port of Hidalgo.

As opportunity liberally knocked, Robert embarked on a lifelong career journey, eventually becoming one of the most successful and well-known customhouse brokers in the South Texas area. Officially founded in 1952, Robert F. Barnes Customhouse Brokers specializes in preparing and submitting all necessary documentation regarding customs clearance.

Although the company originated in Hidalgo, its current headquarters are in San Antonio with offices in Houston, Hidalgo and Austin. Additionally, Field started working for the company full time in 1977 before Robert eventually handed over the reigns to him.

"It was a very good business," Kathryn says. "He was also practicing law along the way the entire time, always very involved and ready to work. I ran the house and he ran the office."

Robert's dedication to serving his community shined through each ambitious endeavor he undertook. Disciplined and focused on the improvement and progression of South Texas, Barnes served as the president of McAllen Junior Chamber of Commerce, director of McAllen Chamber of Commerce and mayor of McAllen.

Energetic and spirited, Barnes is a loyal member of the Republican Party and served as a delegate from Texas to the National Republican Convention in 1961 and 1964, Republican County chairman for 10 years, chairman of the City of McAllen International Toll Bridge Board from 1979-1985 and ran for Texas State Senate twice in the mid 1960s.

"He's always been interested in politics," Kathryn explains. "Robert has been a Republican all his life. In the early 1950s when we moved there, the area was mainly Democratic with just a few Republicans and Robert really helped build up the party in South Texas."

Robert diligently worked to make a positive name for himself in South Texas while simultaneously building up an impressively hefty resume full of high-caliber board service positions, civic activity leadership seats and a specialized business background. In 1987, Robert was appointed District Court Judge to the 275th Judicial District and the 93rd Judicial District until he retired as a Senior District Judge in 2006.

Aside from Barnes' dedication to the diverse and unique political structure of South Texas, the motivated businessman was also a fiercely loyal family man, firmly standing beside his wife, daughter and son during their most crucial and monumental events.

"In today's times, it's a little different," Field says. "I grew up with a stay-at-home mother and though she had different jobs over the years, she was not a career woman so I was fortunate in that way. By the same token, regardless of how busy my father was with all of his work, he was always there for things like athletic contests and all other events. He always made time for us and so I feel that we were very blessed."

Kathryn and Robert Barnes' healthy relationship was balanced by a fair amount of both domesticity and work. While Kathryn primarily focused on familial activities, she was always by her husband's side, extending a helping hand in any way she could professionally and personally.

"Robert was always a very ethical businessman," Kathryn says. "He was a very fair judge, had no ties to anyone in the area, ruled by the law and was always ready to assist and help the community in any way he could. I myself had no problem being alone. I always kept busy raising the family and in my free time played bridge and worked on crossword puzzles."

Vibrant and devoted, thriving duo Robert and Kathryn's commitment to growth and lust for life has spun their successful and one of a kind story into an intricate web of inspirational happenings.

"Even though we were always busy working and doing our own things, we always trusted in each other," Kathryn says. "I think that's the key to how we've made it work."