Robert A. Gassaway
December 03, 2013
Robert Allen “Bob” Gassaway, 72, died at home December 3, 2013, with his family by his side. Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 30, 1941, to Lois Virginia (Kay) and James Allen Gassaway. He moved to Des Moines at age 6 and lived in the Highland Park/Oak Park neighborhoods most of his life and attended Highland Park Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran churches.
Bob graduated in 1959 from North High School and attended Drake University for one year before joining the Army. He served as a cryptographer in Thailand during his military service and later worked for the CIA in a similar capacity.
Upon returning to Des Moines, Bob continued working for the federal government. He retired in 2000 after 35 years with the U.S. Postal Service and enjoyed ongoing friendships with retirees who met for monthly luncheons. He also enjoyed breakfast gatherings with members of his high school graduating class.
Bob had several hobbies, including stamp and coin collecting, photography and college athletics. He attended Iowa State and Drake University football games, but had a passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers. He also enjoyed attending the Des Moines Metro Opera and Des Moines Symphony. He was a member of the American Legion and American Postal Workers Union.
Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carole; his daughters, Melissa Myers and Lisa Hickcox, both of Des Moines; his sisters, Jan Schwarz of Grimes and Mary Millard of Des Moines; his granddaughters, Jessi Myers of Des Moines and Lindsey Myers of Mason City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will visit with friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 5, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. Services will be at the funeral home at noon Friday, December 6, followed by burial with military honors in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of UnityPoint Hospice for their exceptional care and support of Bob and his loved ones.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jim and Judi
12/08/2013
What a privilege to have known Bob and to call him our BFF. We are grateful for many many happy memories; our mini vacation trips, just hanging out, talking about nothing or deep subjects. Bob was always the smartest person in the room. He loved God and leaned on his faith during his last days. He taught us all how to face the inevitable with grace, courage and even a bit of humor. He is one of a kind and I am confident, enjoying the music of angels on golden streets.
Scott and Kelli Marnin
12/06/2013
Gassaway family....We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. Please accept our sympathies.
Larry Ballard
12/06/2013
Melissa and family: I wasn't lucky enough to know Bob, but everything points to the kind of strong, smart, hard-working man who leaves behind folks with the same qualities. That's a successful life by any measure. God bless you all as you struggle with your loss. Just remember the goodness he brought to the world. You personify it.
Tammi and Jerry Hausman
12/05/2013
Dear Iowa family, Please know2 our hearts are with you. Bob(God Dad) was an awesome man. I so loved his pictures and was always touched by his photos. He always offered me coffee any time I visited. I loved growing up around my mom and dad's best friends family. Because we became or were family. I remember Jerry and Bob talking football and remember thinking I have NO idea who they are even talking about or what they were talking about. But Jerry so has the fondest memories of the football chats. My heart is so sad for you all for us all as we here on earth miss those who move to Heaven. But Bob is whole and still with us in our hearts. He loved Carole and his girls all of his girls you could always see that in some way. Love you all and you are in our prayers.
Larry Martindale, VP Class of '59
12/05/2013
Dear Carole-Melissa-Lisa-Jan-Mary:
On behalf of the NHS Class of 1959 and my family, we wish to extend to you our most sincere condolences regarding the passing of our good friend Bob Gassaway. Bob and I played sophomore football together and I always enjoyed seeing him on the wrestling mat during our years at North. Bob was highly respected by both teachers and classmates because he had a very inquiring mind and was exceedingly bright. Bob was a quiet person but an excellent performer in all he did. It was no surprise to me that Bob was involved in crypotgraphy while in the Army in Thailand and with the CIA later in life. Bless him for his service to our country, his spirituality, and for being such a good friend, loving husband, and father. Bob loved his family and was very proud of his granddaughters. I know that Bob and Carole really enjoyed coming to our '59 breakfasts and we so much appreciated his pictures and facinating comments when we were together. All of us will really miss Bob a great deal. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family in the days that lie ahead.
Patty (Cox) Nearmyer
12/05/2013
The Cox family are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Missy, and your entire family. May God wrap his arms around you and guide you through this difficult time.
Nancy Clayton Phillips
12/04/2013
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing, but know he is in a much better place - walking streets of gold and in no pain. Praying that God will surround all of you with His comfort and peace.
Wendy Koons
12/03/2013
Thinking about you guys. You are all family to us. Love you all!