"A tribute, yes. For the family, I have made a discreet suggestion that Urbandale public Library honor Bob Dunbar as they are wont to honor other deceased and passing authors, and I must admit my suggestion was met with resistance, though I don't understand why. It is late, 6 months later or such, but why shouldn't we honour our own in a temporary display, and a veteran to boot? What would it do harm. Bob Dunbar used our Justin Martin community room to compose his prose. I don't understand their reasoning against, but I do support the notion of a post humus display of honour for Bob, a distinguished local author. "
In loving memory of
Robert William Dunbar
October 11, 1949 - March 3, 2018
Robert "Bob" William Dunbar of Urbandale passed away after a long illness on March 4th at the age of 68. A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care in Polk City, Iowa. Following the visitation his memorial service will be held and will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.
He was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William and Barbara (Kelsey) Dunbar on October 11th 1949. After high school Robert joined the United States Army and proudly served during the Vietnam War.
Bob married his 2nd wife Becky on June 19th 1987 days before their daughter Sarah turned 2 years old. He was an avid reader and loved writing reviews for friends. He has published 2 books "The Holy Sabbath Morning" a novel about the Alamo and "To Frame's Proud Cliff" a novel about Sam Houston. Bob enjoyed all things History and was willing to challenge anyone in a trivia contest.
Robert is survived by his daughter Sarah (Donovan) Jury of Polk City, Grandchildren Davin and Axton Jury, mother Barbara Dunbar, his siblings Dirk (Deborah) Dunbar, Matthew (Kathy) Dunbar, Kathy (Brad) Rhoads, best friend Tom Hronik, nephews Dustin, Drake, Ryan, Austin,Willie, and niece Katie. As well as many other family and friends. Preceded in death by his father William Dunbar in 2003. His family would like to send a very warm thank you to the staff at the Polk City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their wonderful care in the short amount of time he was there.
Cards, memorial funds, and flowers may be sent to:
Fredregill Funeral Home
C/O Sarah Jury
302 S 2nd St
Polk City, Ia 50226
Tributes
"Every word printed in this article is true. I can attest to it. I can't do this article better justice than it's author. I can contribute to it's veracity."
"Our prayers are with you and family. It is never easy losing a loved one. "
"My prayers are with you and family. It is never easy losing a loved one. God be with you. Vanetta Wright"
"I knew Bob through our mutual writing group. Though I did not know him well, or for very long, I valued his knowledge of and passion for the craft. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed."
"To Barbara, Sarah, and Family, We are in shock and saddened by the passing of our friend, Bob! Most of us knew Bob as a historical writer....focusing on the Texas revolution. It was through Facebook many in Texas and beyond got to know Bob. Many or us had the same common interest. It was always an honor for me personally for Bob to post his books on The Alamo Network group! The announcement of Bob's passing by Ricardo Rodriguez drew an immense response of sadness and condolences! To quote one lady,"Bob was such a kind and sweet man." We pray God's blessings and comfort be upon you Barbara, Sarah, the family, and friends. Do not become faint as we will see him again in that beautiful place called Heaven!"
"Shine on, like the moon, the stars and the sun..."
"Bob grew up just up the road from me and we reconnected three years ago. The sheer charisma of his compassionate personality, his quick wit and intelligence made him an easy and caring friend. Always there to listen, he was a devoted friend and mentor to me, always encouraging me on in my writing. He shared his love of history, books, poetry and music. He cared deeply about the natural world around us.I am blessed to of had him for my friend. Bob was a loving, giving man who bore no pretense and I will miss him and his delightful humor. I pray his daughter and extended family find comfort knowing so very many people cared for him. His impact was deep. Sending heartfelt condolences. Rest in peace, dear one."
"I am so very sorry. My condolences to his friends and family."
"Bob was a dear friend and fellow author. He always had a smile when he saw someone he knew. He had a good heart and loved writing. he had a deep love for his daughter, Sarah and his grandsons. I am honored to have been called friend by such a good man. Bob, I will miss seeing you and sharing our thoughts with one another. You are at peace now, my dear friend. Relax and enjoy."