Robert G. Williams

Robert G. Williams, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Bob was born May 23, 1932 to Everett and Anna (Moen) Williams. He was born and raised on the East Side of Des Moines. He loved the Iowa State Fair and would proudly claim “Lee Township against the world!” He graduated in 1950 from Des Moines Technical High School, and enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving four years in the medical unit as a corpsman. Bob was stationed for a year at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii then was married to Joan Kirkpatrick on January 31, 1953, where they relocated to Paris Island Marine Corps Base in South Carolina to complete his service.

After returning to Des Moines, Bob began his career on the Des Moines Fire Department, serving 37 years from 1957-1994, and retiring at the rank of Captain.

Throughout his life, Bob and Joan enjoyed RV camping with their daughters and traveling, visiting all 50 states with an Alaskan cruise and Maui Island trip as the highlights. Bob loved any and all sports, watching his grandkids’ teams play, and was a lifelong fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and St. Louis Cardinals.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joan Kirkpatrick Williams; daughters, Shonna Williams and Dawnette Brown (Scott); grandchildren, Hayley Mack, Hannah Miller (Patrick), Mallory Moore (Stephen), and Connor Brown; great-grandchildren, Landon Mack, Rory Mack, and McKenna Miller; sister-in-law, Ina Williams; brother-in-law, Duane Kirkpatrick (Margaret); and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.

A private service is planned with a military burial and Des Moines Firefighter Honors. Bob’s name will be added to the wall this summer at the Iowa Firefighters Memorial in Coralville.

Contributions may be directed to Des Moines Fire Department Honor Guard.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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