Robert "Bob" R. Dillard

Robert "Bob" Dillard, 80, passed away at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, on March 14, 2026, from complications of a stroke. Bob was born May 29, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa to Earl and Eugenie Dillard.

He and his brother Bill and sister Jean grew up on the Southside. He graduated from Lincoln in 1963 and remained a Southsider until his death.

After high school Bob worked for the Highway Commission. He later went to work as a land surveyor for Brown Engineering, Veenstra and Kim and Snyder and Associates.

Throughout his life Bob enjoyed riding motorcycles. He could often be seen cruising down the Interstate on his Goldwing. He and his partner Linda enjoyed many motorcycle trips. He also enjoyed biking in his retirement. He and Linda often biked a few legs of RAGBRAI for a few years.

Faith was very important to Bob. He attended church every Sunday and often volunteered at church. He enjoyed his Bible study groups and the fellowship, in general.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Earl Dillard, mother Eugenie Dillard and sister Jean Pease.

Bob is survived by his loving partner Linda Board (Manson, Iowa), daughter Carolyn Dillard (Des Moines, Iowa), son Steven Dillard (Odessa, Texas), grandson Tristan Dillard (Odessa, Texas), Tristan's mother Rachel Ordonez (Odessa, Texas) and brother William "Bill" Dillard (Indianola, Iowa).

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy, particularly Dr. Nathan Birch and the nursing staff on 6 North. We would also like to thank Palliative Care and Hospice staff who kept him comfortable in his last days.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 24th at 10:00 am at Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church, 6205 S.W. 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315. Interment will follow at Hauser Cemetery in Union County Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities: Iowa Public Radio or The Food Bank of Iowa in loving memory of Bob.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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