Bobby “Bob” Hellyer was born on October 28, 1929 in Promise City, Iowa to James Lowell and Margaret Nancy (George) Hellyer. He passed peacefully on October 20, 2018 at the age of 88 years old.
Bob grew in Promise City and graduated from the Promise City High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Grismore on March 13, 1949. To this union, three children were born, Mary Beth “Pixie”, Debbie, and Angela. The couple adopted a son , Bobby, in 1987. Bob graduated from Bradley University in 1954 and began work as a jeweler and watchmaker. He had a jewelry store named “Hellyer’s Jewelers”, retiring in 1978. Bob and Barbara raised their family in Chariton, Iowa. Bob moved to Florida in February of 2014, after his loving wife of sixty-four years (Barbara) passed away.
Bob belonged to several clubs such as the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and the Shriner Mounted Drill Unit. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. In his spare time, Bob was involved in his community and enjoyed flying, golfing, animals, education, boating, traveling, the outdoors, challenges, debates, and spending quality time with family and friends.
He enjoyed summer RV trips with his grandsons as he was extremely proud of his family. Bob revered education his entire life as he had learned sports medicine in his sixties and Coast Guard safe boating in his seventies. Also, he had served in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret Hellyer; his wife, Barbara Hellyer; his daughter, Mary Beth “Pixie” Hellyer Hale; his son, Bob Sorrell Hellyer; his grandson, Kody Hellyer Snodgrass; six brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by two daughters, Debbie McCoy of Indianola, Iowa and Angie (Duke) Snodgrass of Homosassa, Florida; brother-in-law, Stan Grismore of Chicago, Illinios; many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Lunch will be held at the Court Jester Bowling Alley on Court Ave. in Chariton, Iowa, following funeral services.
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