Doolittle, Robert A.

On Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Robert A. Doolittle, entered into his heavenly home, there to be welcomed by his Lord and Savior and his beautiful wife, Becky.

Those left to mourn his absence and honor his memory include his children, Allen (Jo Anne) of Estes Park, Colo., Jim (Donna) and Melvin (Jayne) of Cedar Rapids and Betty (Pete) Hagglund of Clinton, Iowa; his grandchildren: Allen's children, Steve (Haven), Tom (June), Will and Lauren; Jim's girls, Sarah (Adam) Evanschwartz, Gwen and Emily (Jacob); and Betty's children, Andrew, Carolyn and Mark; and his great-grandchildren, Noah, Chavah, Ari, Sammy and Savannah.

Born in Cedar Rapids on Dec. 24, 1921, Bob was the son of Claire and Leora (Stone) Doolittle. He and his sister, Dorothy, enjoyed their childhood in what was then known as Kenwood Park. After graduation from Franklin High School, Bob attended Coe College studying engineering. There he fell in love with a “knockout” music major, Rebecca “Becky” Evans. He enlisted in the Army in 1941 and served during World War II in Iran, Germany, and France.

After his Army discharge he returned to Cedar Rapids and he and Becky were married Dec. 16, 1945, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. They lived in Kansas City while Bob took classes in preparation to work in his dad's insurance and real estate business. Upon their return to Cedar Rapids, he joined Doolittle and Co., a business that had been started by his grandfather, with offices on the third floor of the downtown Guaranty Bank Building. He later worked at Perpetual Savings and Loan and the Small Business Administration. He was a member of the Optimists, Congenial 100, and was a licensed Realtor for over 50 years.

What truly defined this man was not what he did or accomplished, but how he did it and how he lived. He embraced life with determination, faith, and confidence. His family was his anchor and his devotion to them was unshakable. His granddaughter, Sarah, once said: “Grandpa is bigger than Life.” Those who knew him well understand her meaning.

Whatever Bob did, he undertook the endeavor with gusto. When his family was young, they spent weekends camping, boating and skiing on the Mississippi. They loved to travel and spur of the moment trips were commonplace. Bob and Becky were active at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Bob was instrumental in the building of the church's cabin at Clear Lake. His last trip there was June for a family vacation.

He learned to fly airplanes. After 35 years of enjoyment and many miles, he gave up his Harley at the age of 80. In later years, he and Becky enjoyed long car rides in their Black Ford Expedition with the orange and yellow Harley flames and “BAD1” license plate. They moved to The MethWick Community four years ago. During her illness, Bob was Becky's daily companion and caretaker until she passed away last year. Their 66-year marriage taught us the meaning of love.

Although a great void has been left in our lives, we cherish the imprint he left and his memory. We will gather to celebrate his life at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1340 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Harlan Gillespie and the Rev. Lloyd Brockmeyer. After a luncheon, inurnment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul's United Methodist Church Clear Lake cabin fund.

Published Sept. 8, 2013 in The Gazette