King, Robinson “Bob” George Jr. - 1924-2012

BECKER, COURTENAY, KING, MCLERAN, MINEHART, NOLAND, PETERSEN, PRIEBE, RUSSELL, SMILTNIEKS, STROH, SWANSON, TREANOR, WESTERGAARD

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 8/8/2024 at 14:32:26

Robinson George (Bob) King, Jr. passed away November 5, 2012, at Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta, Georgia. He was born in Des Moines on May 9, 1924, to Robinson George King, Sr. and Gladys Minehart.
Bob graduated from East High School in 1942, and enlisted in the Navy. After receiving his wings, he was named the honor student of his flight instructors' school and reported to the naval air station in Memphis, Tennessee to instruct aviation cadets for the duration of WWII. Bob retired as a Commander after serving 28 years in the Naval Air Reserve. His passion for flying continued for over 50 years. He logged nearly 14,000 hours of flight time earning himself the nickname "Sky King". His family and friends enjoyed many wonderful trips with Bob, whom they deemed an "A+" pilot.
After the war, in 1945, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Marilee Petersen, and from this union came three children. Marilee Petersen King passed away in 1971. Bob graduated from Iowa State University in 1950 with a degree in civil engineering. In 1964, after several years of working for the Ringland-Johnson firm, he started his own general construction company, King-Bole, Inc., in Des Moines. Bob's love of his chosen profession infused his life as evidenced by his mobile hardware store. The trunk of his car was jammed with tool boxes, nuts, bolts, screws, drills, saws - anything and everything imaginable for fix-it jobs wherever needed. Bob taught his kids to never throw away a scrap of wood or a nail. You might need it sometime!
Bob was a member of the Order of Daedalians, the national military pilots' fraternity, Quiet Birdmen, a pilots' group, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was active in Variety Club of Iowa, Master Builders of Iowa, ZaGaZig Flying Fez, Shrine Club, Kiwanis, American Legion, Meals on Wheels, as well as various other groups. Bob was an avid bridge player and enjoyed card games of all kinds. And he loved Christmas! He was the biggest kid in the room!
In 1972, Bob married his loving wife, Nancy and they had 40 wonderful years together. Bob and Nancy retired to Anna Maria Island, Florida where they enjoyed flying, sailing their boat Wind Chime, golfing, playing cards, and traveling. Always eager to attempt new things, like kayaking at age 86, Bob lived life to the fullest.
Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister, Susan Noland (Leslie Becker) of Des Moines; his brother, Ken King of Des Moines; two daughters, Angelyn King of Windsor Heights, Marilee Westergaard of Clive, and one son, Robinson George King III (Pam) of Livermore, Maine; grandchildren, Jessica (Mike) McLeran of Des Moines, Mark Westergaard of West Des Moines, Jon King of Milford, New Hampshire and Robinson George King IV of Townsend, Mass; great-granddaughters, Kayla Marie and Emma Grace of Des Moines; five step-children, Sue (Steve) Treanor, Pam (Rusty) Russell, Lynn (Cliff) Courtenay all of Valdosta, Georgia, Sandra (Russ) Smiltnieks of Memphis, TN. and David (Tami) Stroh of Des Moines. He was also blessed with his nieces and nephews, several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilee; and two sisters, Margaret Jane Priebe; and his twin, Alice Swanson.
Per Bob's request, no funeral will be held and his cremains will be scattered according to his wishes. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date in Bradenton, Florida, and a private family service will be held later in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Foundation, PO Box 1215, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, November 11, 2012, page 9B