Robert L. Oliver, Sr.

Bob Oliver, Sr. 74, passed away December 19, 2017, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bob was born at home in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 28, 1943, to Burnis and Virginia Oliver. He grew up and worked in the Norfolk area.

On December 31, 1964, he married Kathleen Westercamp at the Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Kellogg, Iowa. They resided in Norfolk, Virginia for 2 years where their daughter, Brenda Faye, was born. In 1967, Bob and Kathleen moved back to Ankeny, Iowa, where they had a son, Robert Oliver, Jr.

Bob worked as a heating and air conditioning mechanic/installer. In 1969, Bob and Kathleen bought a farm south of Liberty Center, Iowa where he did some farming. Bob had many talents as a friend and mentor to many. Bob worked on many community projects with the beginning of the Milo, Iowa Jaycees. In 1974, Bob and Kathleen moved back to Ankeny. Bob worked on many committees to benefit the community of Ankeny and helped with a multitude of committees with the Ankeny Jaycees as well. Bob was awarded a Jaycee Senator #28265 in 1979 and was awarded Ambassador #1461 in 1983. Bob was always helping someone in need. Bob became a Mason and a member of the West Gate Adelphic Lodge #509. Bob was Head Master twice during his membership at the lodge. Bob then became a member of the Za-ga-zig Shriners and member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. Bob and Dwight Hunnell started H&O Concessions. Dwight sold his portion to Bob. Bob traveled throughout the State of Iowa going to various county fairs, rodeos, and community celebrations selling snow cones, nachos, and sandwiches. Bob was also a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years; Kathleen, daughter Brenda (Joel-deceased) Mozena, son Robert Jr. (Lillian); grandsons Jonathan, Joshua, Jayden; granddaughter, Jalynne; brother Burnis Oliver Jr., and sister, Charlene (Jack) Hyman. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Patricia Ann.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50313. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Parkinson’s research, or Dementia research.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltons.funeralhome.com

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