Robert Harlor Estrada

Robert H. Estrada passed away March 28, 2015 at the V.A. Palliative/Hospice facility in Des Moines after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born September 14, 1922 to Jesus and Hester Irene (Snyder) Estrada in Van Meter, Iowa. He was baptized and became a lifelong member of the Methodist Church.

In 1929 his family moved to Valley Junction. In 1931 they relocated to Stuart, Iowa where he grew up and graduated high school. During the summers of his high school years, Robert worked with his father, Jesus, as a Section Hand on the Rock Island Railroad.

On November 28, 1942 Robert enlisted in the United States Army at Camp Dodge, Iowa. He was highly decorated for his service as a truck driver in the 411 Infantry Regiment 103rd Division and later in the 3559 Truck Company of Quartermaster Headquarters 175th Regiment 29th Division. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater ribbon, W/4 Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, 1 Service Stripe and 3 Overseas Service Bars. Robert saw service in Italy, Southern France, Germany, and Central Europe beginning in July 1944 until his honorable discharge in January 1946 at which time he became an active member of American Legion. Robert returned home to Des Moines and resumed working with his father on the Rock Island railroad where he stayed until his retirement after more than 40 years. He was a member of the United Transportation Union since 1947, the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees, Inc., Union Park Methodist Church, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. In 1954 Robert married Elizabeth Mae Potter in Forest City, Iowa and to this union three children were born. Robert remarried in 1983 to Lucille Burnham in Des Moines, Iowa.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Hester; his first wife, Elizabeth (Betty), his second wife, Lucille; his sister, Juanita Estrada; his grandson, Johnathan Barbour; and his son-in-law, Walter Bahniuk. Robert is survived by his children, daughter, Theresa Bahniuk of Lamoni Iowa, son, Charles (Mary) of Bellevue Nebraska, and son, Kirk of Des Moines; 7 grandchildren, Cynthia Barbour of Van Meter IA, Dan (Shawna) Estrada of Eagleville MO, Chrissy (TJ) Mastin of Des Moines IA, Aaron Estrada of Bellevue NE, Ashley Estrada (fiancé Brad Stodden) of Stuart IA, Tyler Estrada (Courtney Brown) of Stuart IA and Lannette Ware Fraser of Fort Worth TX; 11 great-grandchildren, John Stiles, Jordan Kerr, Rhealynn and Haylie Estrada, Chrissa and Terra Mastin, Ava and Dominic Stodden, Paisley Estrada, Roman and Liam Fraser; and many more family and friends.

Robert's memory will be cherished as we gather for a Celebration of his life on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Visitation will be the night prior from 5 to 8 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

Memorials may be made in Robert’s name to the Stuart Depot Restoration, Inc., P.O. Box 402, Stuart, IA 50250. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print