The Life of ROBERT ALLEN GASSAWAY
Robert Allen “Bob” Gassaway, 72, died at home December 3, 2013, with his family by his side. Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 30, 1941, to Lois Virginia (Kay) and James Allen Gassaway. He moved to Des Moines at age 6 and lived in the Highland Park/Oak Park neighborhoods most of his life and attended Highland Park Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran churches.
Bob graduated in 1959 from North High School and attended Drake University for one year before joining the Army. He served as a cryptographer in Thailand during his military service and later worked for the CIA in a similar capacity.
Upon returning to Des Moines, Bob continued working for the federal government. He retired in 2000 after 35 years with the U.S. Postal Service and enjoyed ongoing friendships with retirees who met for monthly luncheons. He also enjoyed breakfast gatherings with members of his high school graduating class.
Bob had several hobbies, including stamp and coin collecting, photography and college athletics. He attended Iowa State and Drake University football games, but had a passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers. He also enjoyed attending the Des Moines Metro Opera and Des Moines Symphony. He was a member of the American Legion and American Postal Workers Union.
Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carole; his daughters, Melissa Myers and Lisa Hickcox, both of Des Moines; his sisters, Jan Schwarz of Grimes and Mary Millard of Des Moines; his granddaughters, Jessi Myers of Des Moines and Lindsey Myers of Mason City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will visit with friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 5, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. Services will be at the funeral home at noon Friday, December 6, followed by burial with military honors in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of UnityPoint Hospice for their exceptional care and support of Bob and his loved ones.