Robert E. “Bob” Housewright, 91, of Burlington, passed away Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at his home.
Bob was born Sept. 23, 1933, in La Crosse, Ill., the son of Maurice and Frances (Dunn) Housewright. He was raised and educated in LaHarpe, Illinois, and graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1952. Along with his parents, his grandmother, Dora Dunn was influential in his upbringing.
On Nov. 5, 195,6 he married Reva Jane Luckeroth in Beatrice, Neb. She survives.
While in high school Bob spent summers working for local farmers; helping with produce, picking tomatoes, and detasseling corn. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He spent time stationed in California, Mississippi, Texas, Johnston Island, England, and Nebraska. Upon his discharge, he received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. This would result in him being a lifelong Cornhuskers fan. During his college tenure, he worked for Retail Credit Corporation and Beechners Grocery Store, both in Lincoln. Bob spent over 31 years working for the Social Security Administration at offices in Lincoln, Joplin, and Burlington, where he was the office manager. Lastly, he was employed for 30 years as the Director of the DesMoines County Veterans Affairs, retiring in 2022.
Mr. Housewright was a lifelong member of the Lions Club, where he received various awards and was installed as Lions District Governor in Hong Kong, China.
Besides his wife, Reva Jane, survivors include four daughters: Debbie Housewright, Christine (Bill) White, Jane Housewright all of Burlington, and Julie (Mark) Prox of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren: Nicole Astell, Megan Astell, Maddie Prox and Jake Prox.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Elaine Duncan and Shirley Stephenson.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. following the visitation.
Burial with Military Rites will be held at LaHarpe Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established for the West Burlington Lions Club. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Bob’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.