Robert George Whitson, Sr.

Robert George Whitson, Sr. Bob died at the age of 95 at Franklin Country View Nursing Facility on Wednesday, March 4th, after a brief illness. He was the son of George and Ellen Whitson and brother to five sisters, Irene, Cleo, Marilyn, Marian, and Lois. Bob was a proud graduate of East Des Moines High School in 1942. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and proudly served in World War II as a medic in field hospitals in Europe arriving at Utah Beach on D-Day Plus 4, June 10th, 1944. Upon his return home, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Osborn, and they were inseparable for over 40 years. Bob worked at Meredith Publishing Company and retired after 40 years of service. Bob and Dorothy had two children, Bob, Jr. and Nancy. Following retirement, they moved north to Greene, Iowa, where Bob had fond memories of spending summers on his cousins' farms. Bob and Dorothy built a home on five acres (affectionately known as "Sunny Acres") and enjoyed life in the country. Dorothy passed away in 1991 after battling cancer. Several years later, he married long-time family friend, Maxine Parker. Bob and Maxine enjoyed acreage life for a few years before returning to Des Moines. After the death of Maxine, Bob moved to Hampton, Iowa, to be near his daughter, Nancy. Bob lived an amazing life full of fun, laughter, and family. He loved a good road trip with the family, a Fourth-of-July fireworks display and a "lavish lunch". His family will miss his love of music, his passion for reading, witty sense of humor, love of the outdoors and his patriotism. He was an amazing dad, grandpa, friend, neighbor, and member of the community. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, son Robert G. Whitson, Jr., wife Maxine, his parents and siblings. He is survived by his daughter Nancy (John) Showalter of Hampton, IA, and daughter-in-law Carol (Bob) Whitson of Altoona, IA. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren, Sally, Jill, Matt, Brian, and Lindsay; step-granddaughters Aly and Lisa; great-grandchildren Natalie, Sydney, Madelyn, Allison, Jayden, and Grayson; and step-great grandsons Parker and Zach. Memorials funds will be donated to the Hampton Public Library and the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

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Robert George Whitson, Sr.

October 6, 1924 - March 4, 2020