Robert "Bob" McCurdy Obituary

 Robert “Bob” McCurdy, of Russell, passed away January 4, 2018 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Bob was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on August 8, 1932 to W.E. (Red) McCurdy and Chloe Elizabeth Gross McCurdy. He married Sharon Robuck, June 3, 1961 in Attica, Iowa. To this union, four children were born: David, Michael, Mark, and Kimberly.

Bob believed that education was extremely important and demonstrated this in his career choice. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School, received his bachelor’s degree from William Penn University, attended Drake University to achieve his Master’s Degree, and earned a Specialist Degree in Education from Drake University.

Bob served two years in the armed forces, stationed in Germany. He began teaching in Attica, Iowa, at the Twin Cedars School System for four years. He moved to Newhall, Iowa, teaching an additional four years. He then moved to Monroe, Iowa, where he was the principal at the high school for nearly 20 years. He advanced to Clearfield, Iowa, where he was superintendant for one year before moving to Russell in 1985. He was superintendant in Russell until his final retirement in 2008. He also served as interim superintendant for Fremont, Lineville/Clio, Mormon Trail, and a semester as the middle school principal in the Chariton School District.

He was a member of many organizations that were special to him over the years. These included the Russell Lions Club, The Russell Community Club, Lucas County Retired Teachers Club, The Lucas County Democrats, and the Russell American Legion. He also served on the Russell City Council and one term as Mayor.

Bob enjoyed traveling and had visited all states except Hawaii. He especially sought out locations with historic significance. He also was an avid sports fan having played semi-pro baseball and competitive bowling. Bob also coached football, basketball, and baseball from little league through the collegiate level. His favorite teams were the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Seahawks, Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones, and above all the William Penn Statesmen.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of 56-1/2 years; Son Michael (Terri) of Russell; Son Mark (Amy) of Russell; Daughter Kimberly Moyle (Jeremy) of West Des Moines; Eight grandchildren: Samantha and Stephen (Kourtney) McCurdy; Kaitlyn, Kelly, Joseph, and David McCurdy; Tyler and Bailey Moyle; One great-grandson, Carson McCurdy; Sister Alta Beatrice Williams of Ft Meyer, FL; Brother Donald (Nancy) of West Des Moines; Sister-in- law Susan McCurdy of Ankeny.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a 3-year-old son David McCurdy, brother John McCurdy, brother-in-law Gerald Williams, and an infant granddaughter, Alexa McCurdy.

Services will be Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at The Faith United Methodist Church in Russell. Family will receive friends on Friday, January 12th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Russell Volunteer Fire Department or the Russell Faith United Methodist Church.