Robert Allen Hagins, Sr. (2018)

ALLEN, ANDREW, BORISENKO, CHRISTENSEN, DELANEY, HAGINS

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:02:53

Iles Funeral Home
Dunn’s Chapel
Des Moines, Iowa

Robert (Bob) Allen Hagins Sr. passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the age of 93. He was born on October 3, 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa to Grace Allen and Clarence Homer Hagins, Sr. He was predeceased by his siblings: infant sister, Pauline; brothers Clarence Homer Hagins Jr. and James Harold Hagins. Bob married Bette Christensen and he is survived by their two children, Robert Hagins, Jr. and Diane Hagins, his grandchildren, Lydia Hagins and Adam Borisenko, nephew, Brian Hagins and nieces, Kelly Delaney and Karen Andrew.

His father had a plastering contracting business, and Bob was part of that business for several years. He mastered the skills of plastering that led to his ability to restore such historical sites as the Polk County Courthouse, the Salisbury House in Des Moines, the First National Bank Building in Davenport and the Woodbury County Courthouse in Sioux City.

Bob graduated from East High School. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. Upon his return he attended Drake University, discovering his passion for art. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts.

He became a teacher and his first teaching job was in Earlham, where he taught math for four years. In 1961 he and his family moved to Indianola, Iowa where he taught art until he retired in 1981.

Through the years, he traveled the world, taking part in workshops and classes, enjoying painting watercolors on site. He especially loved traveling to Japan. His first trip to Japan was with the Friendship Force which led to his passion for the Japanese culture and his seven trips to Japan. He promoted world peace by learning and presenting the Japanese Tea Ceremony. As a member of the Japan America Society, he presented tea for local and Japanese dignitaries, public schools and private events. He became a Secular Humanist and Zen Buddhist practitioner. Bob remained a great teacher with an inquisitive mind and was a life-long learner.

Bob was in assisted living at Ramsey Village for the past three years. Our appreciation goes to all of the staff at Ramsey for the excellent care and support.

Bob has donated his body to the Des Moines University.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Invitations will be sent per contact information given to IlesCares.com.

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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