Robert "Bob" Whicker, Sr.

Robert “Bob” Whicker, 88, passed away from complications following surgery on June 25, 2024, at Mercy Hospital. Bob was born on January 7, 1936, to Clayburn John and Vivian Pearl Whicker on a farm just south of Army Post Road on Fleur Drive. He would always say he was born and would be buried in the same place.

Bob was a lifetime resident of South Des Moines attending Maple Grove Elementary and Lincoln High School. His early passion was auto racing at Pioneer, Chariton and Knoxville Speed Ways, he also enjoyed fishing and in later life he enjoyed creating his perfectly manicured lawn. He retired from Mitchell Transmission, where he did transmission rebuilding.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lora, daughter LuAnn, son Robert and sister Patricia Richardson and grandsons Bobby and Rodney Lipper. He was proceeded in death by parents Clayburn and Pearl Whicker, sisters Elzada, Betty and Ethel, brothers Harold and Dale, nephews Steven and Clay Chapman and nieces Katie Richardson and Jolinda Riley.

When time left Bob with more limited pursuits, he loved to chat with old near and dear friends. He had a daily call schedule for his immediate family, and we are already missing our little talks.

He felt he had a very common life, but in retrospect he had a good life and many fun and maybe a bit risky adventures. Our lives were made better by his expecting us to do our very best at everything we set out to do.

The family will greet friends on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 9 am to 10 am with the funeral service to follow at 10 am at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street. Bob will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens; 7601 Fleur Drive.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation in loving memory of Bob.

Condolences may be expressed at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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