ROBERT J. McCAUGHTRY 1923 to 2005

MCCAUGHTRY, EDMONDSON, ROBBINS, PERLA, GAMBLE

Posted By: James Mincks (email)
Date: 7/17/2010 at 20:03:22

Robert J. "Bob" McCaughtry, 81, of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away on June 30, 2005 after a lengthy illness.

Bob was born in Des Moines on November 9, 1923, the youngest son of Joseph and Rose McCaughtry. He is survived by Dottie, his beloved wife of 57 years; his children, Gary McCaughtry (Jane Gamble) of Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin, Lynn (William) Robbins of Evergreen, Colorado and Patricia (Salvatore) Perla of Paoll, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Gretchen Gamble of Phoenix, Arizona; and his brother, Louis McCaughtry of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bob grew up in Des Moines and graduated from North High School in 1942. After graduation he joined the Air Force and was a member of the Fourth Fighter Squadron Command, serving in the Phillipines and other Pacific bases as an aircraft mechanic during World War II.

Bob returned home after the war and met Dottie Edmondson. They were married on October 5, 1947 and resided in Des Moines. In 1949, Bob began his career as a realtor at Iowa Realty in Des Moines. In 1951, he and realtor, Paul Manly, opened their own real estate company, Central Realty. During his years at Central Realty, Bob was recognized for his integrity, professionalism, and good will. He always felt that it was more important to match a house with a family than to just make a sale. Bob was elected president of the Des Moines Board of Realty in 1969 and served as president of the Des Moines Multiple Listing Board a year later.

Bob retired in 1982 and he and Dottie moved to Green Valley. At age 77, he achieved his life-long goal of hitting a hole-in-one at Canoa Golf Course.

Bob's greatest achievement was being a loving husband to Dottie, and being a source of inspiration and honor to his children. Bob will be remembered for his integrity, honesty and dependability in business and in life. And he will be remembered for his slightly off-kilter sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to American Cancer Society, Odyssey HealthCare (hospice), or Valley Presbyterian Church.

taken from the Des Moines Sunday Register, July 3, 2005; Metro section, page 5B, column 1.