Robert Dean McGehee

Robert “Bubba” Dean McGehee passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2024, at the age of 75.

Robert was born on July 8, 1949, to Elmer and Bertha (Smith) McGehee in Des Moines. He was the youngest of three children. Robert grew up in Norwoodville, Iowa, until he graduated from Saydel High School. Following his graduation, he joined his father as a worker for Pittsburg Des Moines Steel, where he worked until the floods of ’93 when they closed. During his time with PDM, he was also a volunteer firefighter for the Delaware Township Fire Department in the early 80’s and Bloomfield Township/Northern Warren Fire Department from 1984-1989.

Robert married Linda Richardson and became a father to her son, Michael. A few years later their daughter, Lisa, was born. They divorced after 13 years of marriage. Robert married Patricia Wilson in April of 1984, and to this union he gained two stepdaughters, Jennifer and Julie. He remained with Patricia until her passing in June of 2000. During this marriage, he began employment for Doors Incorporated, which soon became another family to him. Robert went on to work here until he retired in 2017. In September of 2002, Robert married Anita Wilcox. To this union brought him three stepchildren, Christina, Jessica, and Joshua. In 2018, Anita’s nieces, Shayelynne and Madeline Schmidt, came to live with them.

Robert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in September of 2019, but was able to remain at home with the help of his family, until April of this year. He was then moved into a care facility due to the progression of his illness.

Robert enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, gardening, fishing, and anything outdoors. Spending time with his friends and loved ones brought him the greatest joy and where he would show his ornery side whenever he could.

Robert is survived by his wife, Anita; his children, Michael McGehee and Lisa (Pete) Beck; his stepchildren, Christina Gumm, Jessica (Eldon) Kroll, and Joshua Wilcox; his thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard; his sister, Rose; his former wife, Patricia; his stepdaughters, Jennifer and Julie; and his grandson, Dakota Weller.

Family will be greeting friends on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Robert will be laid to rest at Rising Sun Cemetery; NE 64th Street, Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

The family would like to thank Wesley on Grand, Via of Carlisle, and MercyOne Hospital for their patience and kindness shown to Robert and family prior to his death.

Condolences may be expressed at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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