Robert Leroy Wilson

Robert Leroy Wilson
of Des Moines, Iowa

Robert L. Wilson, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Robert was born on May 21, 1928 in Cambridge, Ohio, and raised there. Over the years, Robert also lived in Arizona, Wyoming, and — for nearly four solid decades — in the southern Illinois town of Bunker Hill, before settling in Des Moines in the year 2000.

Robert proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, off and on, between 1946 and 1953. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1959 and worked as a mechanical engineer thereafter. His hobbies and interests included travel, photography, music, animals of all kinds and colors, and reading — avidly. Above all else, he loved and treasured time spent with family.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Charlotte; children Cheryl (Donald) Ashwill, Debra (Randy) Lauer, Ward (Charlotte) Wilson, and Wayne (Cindy) Wilson; grandchildren Kate (Jace) Hall, Rob, Anya, Katya, Coen (Jordan), Hannah, Grace, Adam and Nolan; great-grandchildren Brock, Zoey, and Ava; and his sister Carol (Carl) Campbell.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Wilson (Pearl); mother Margaret (Ronald) Kidd; granddaughter Claire Elise Wilson; and lifelong friends Harry Allen and Hollie Carter.

A memorial service honoring Robert will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, in Des Moines, with a visitation at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Robert’s memory to either Plymouth Church or Central Iowa Shelter & Services.

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