Robert Eugene McCreary

Robert was born to Lillie Bell Stewart and Ichabod Comstock McCreary August 10, 1929 in Randolph, Iowa. His early years were spent growing up in southwest Iowa where he met and married Dorothy R. Smith August 7, 1948 in Mount Ayr. Robert enlisted in the U. S. Navy at the age of 18 and attended boot camp in San Diego, CA. Robert and Dorothy spent the next 20 years living the military life while raising 4 children.

Robert's naval career included being a plank owner of the USS Enterprise (the first nuclear aircraft carrier), participation in the Cuban missile blockade, and afterward he held various posts and positions. Upon his retirement in 1968, he held the rank of Chief Yeoman and was stationed at the Naval Reserve Training Center in Des Moines.

Robert attended and graduated from Drake University with a degree in education. He was the first child in his family to graduate from college. He taught for one year at Norwalk High School but quickly found teaching was not his passion. His next endeavor was working for the American Red Cross as Disaster Director in Des Moines. He later purchased and operated the Subway Service Station in downtown Des Moines.

For their retirement years, Robert and Dorothy purchased an acreage outside of Prole, Iowa where they built their own house and various outbuildings. He and Dorothy enjoyed planting fruit/nut trees, a large garden, tending bees and chickens, and general upkeep of the property. Robert's favorite hobby was fishing from his boat. He also enjoyed repairing/restoring cars, tinkering with motors and building things from wood.

For many years, Robert and Dorothy were Florida snowbirds living in Titusville, FL and later moved full-time to Sun City Center, FL. Approximately 6 months ago, they decided to return to Iowa and with the help of their family moved to Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa.

Robert is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 73 years; two sons, Robert Jr. (Patti) of Ruskin, FL, David (Imogene) of North Port, FL; two daughters, Nancy Ford (Steve) of Polk City, IA, Rebecca McCreary (David Tilly) of Adel, IA; four grandchildren, Jason McCreary (Wendy) of Madison, CT, Catherine Ford (Justin Landhuis) of Des Moines, Gregory Ford (Cassie) of Ankeny, Elaine Tilly (Casey) of Adel; seven great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Donna Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Proceeding Robert in death was his mother and father; an infant daughter, Janet; grandson, Brian McCreary; one brother, Walter Ray McCreary; eight sisters, Pauline Bellis, Florence Davis, Norma Kaufmann, Clara Keightly, Mildred Spurgin, Marvel Kellison, Edrie Gardner, Edith Gardner Newton.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at Kennybrook Village for the kindness, compassion, and care they gave Robert over the past six months. Also, thanks to Suncrest Hospice for their outstanding care before his death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suncrest Hospice in West Des Moines.