Robert "Bob" De Moss
August 28, 1931 — November 19, 2023
Robert Lee DeMoss was born August 28, 1931, in Knoxville, Iowa, the son of Marion and Mable (Faidley) DeMoss.
Bob was raised in the Knoxville area. As a young man, he began working as a farmhand on Rex Caldwell’s farm. On February 9, 1952, Bob was united in marriage to June Marie Johann where the couple made Knoxville their home. Bob eventually took a job with Maytag in Newton where he retired after 30 years. Never one to sit still, he then worked another 20 years with his son, Rex at the local auto dealership. He also spent several years as a push truck driver and tow truck operator for the Knoxville Raceway.
Bob and June took many motorcycle trips in their younger years all over the United States with family and friends. Family was Bob’s true joy in life, from Sunday dinners every week at his parents’ home with his entire family to more recent dinners with his brothers on Wednesday and Friday nights. Another true joy of his was playing cards, marbles and Chase-the-Ace at any family event...and, if you knew Bob, he didn’t like to lose. He cherished all his family and was proud of their accomplishments.
In his “downtime”, Bob could be found tinkering in his garage, where every tool was polished, had a specific place, and was ready to use. Every morning, you could find Bob greeting the public in his “office” at Manny’s Diner, where the staff became his second family. Bob had a passion for the Hawkeyes and sprint car racing. You could find his truck parked between Turn 1 and 2 every Saturday night where he and Rex would watch the races.
Bob cherished his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his beloved siblings. Bob was a true character, full of life and love. His energetic spirit will always be with us.
Bob passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, in Des Moines, at the age of 92 years.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June; son, Dale; daughter, Robin Roush; grandson, Kelly Spaur; and siblings: Don, Moe and Wanda (Sis).
Those left to honor Bob’s memory include his children: Judy (Les) Spaur, Rex (Chris) DeMoss, Sheila (Mike) Burgess, and son-in-law, Bob Roush; 15 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; siblings: Pete, Jerry (Inez) and Doc DeMoss and many other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to K.R.C.O. (Knoxville Raceway Charitable Organization) or to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.
Bob was raised in the Knoxville area. As a young man, he began working as a farmhand on Rex Caldwell’s farm. On February 9, 1952, Bob was united in marriage to June Marie Johann where the couple made Knoxville their home. Bob eventually took a job with Maytag in Newton where he retired after 30 years. Never one to sit still, he then worked another 20 years with his son, Rex at the local auto dealership. He also spent several years as a push truck driver and tow truck operator for the Knoxville Raceway.
Bob and June took many motorcycle trips in their younger years all over the United States with family and friends. Family was Bob’s true joy in life, from Sunday dinners every week at his parents’ home with his entire family to more recent dinners with his brothers on Wednesday and Friday nights. Another true joy of his was playing cards, marbles and Chase-the-Ace at any family event...and, if you knew Bob, he didn’t like to lose. He cherished all his family and was proud of their accomplishments.
In his “downtime”, Bob could be found tinkering in his garage, where every tool was polished, had a specific place, and was ready to use. Every morning, you could find Bob greeting the public in his “office” at Manny’s Diner, where the staff became his second family. Bob had a passion for the Hawkeyes and sprint car racing. You could find his truck parked between Turn 1 and 2 every Saturday night where he and Rex would watch the races.
Bob cherished his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his beloved siblings. Bob was a true character, full of life and love. His energetic spirit will always be with us.
Bob passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, in Des Moines, at the age of 92 years.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June; son, Dale; daughter, Robin Roush; grandson, Kelly Spaur; and siblings: Don, Moe and Wanda (Sis).
Those left to honor Bob’s memory include his children: Judy (Les) Spaur, Rex (Chris) DeMoss, Sheila (Mike) Burgess, and son-in-law, Bob Roush; 15 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; siblings: Pete, Jerry (Inez) and Doc DeMoss and many other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to K.R.C.O. (Knoxville Raceway Charitable Organization) or to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.
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