8-12-1949 to 12-16-2024 Robert “Bob” James Handley was born in Chicago, Illinois to Robert James Barker Sr. and Joyce Elaine Barker (Handley) on August 12, 1949. Bob passed away at age 75 in his home in the Bloomfield Care Center on December 16, 2024. Bob was the oldest child of Joyce’s; with siblings, Niya Cross (Barker), Vichelle Frazier, Dorothy Teague (Vaughan), James Vaughan (Deceased), and Jonathan Vaughan. Bob lived in Chicago until he was 13 years old. Bob’s Grandparents, Royal Robert Handley and Dorothy Handley (Quinn) lived in Floris, Iowa where Bob later moved to when he was 13, and was adopted by them. His siblings from them: Rosemary Christy (Handley). Bob was preceded in death by, Doris Barksdale (Handley), Elfreda Briscoe (Handley), Robert Lee Handley, Raymond Handley, and Roy Handley. Bob was integrated with all his siblings and grew up around a lot of family. He graduated Cardinal High School in 1969. After High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Vietnam War as a cook inside the Nautilus submarine and on other Naval ships. Bob had a great love of the Culinary Arts. After serving his country, Bob came back to Iowa and went to college. He got an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice from Ottumwa Heights College and later got an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts from Indian Hills Community College. Bob served different occupations as deputy, chef, and business owner. He also enjoyed working at the BRS helping refugees find jobs to acclimate them into society. Bob married Nikki Shoemaker in 1973 and had 2 beautiful daughters, Crystal and Laura Handley (Tobias). Bob married Shelley Waddle in 1993 and they had Maria Storm Handley. He has 3 grandchildren from Maria, Christopher Stalder, Annabelle Bower, and Evinrude Smith, who he loved and cherished dearly. Bob was a humanitarian and had lots of spiritual beliefs. He loved anyone and everyone. He was not judgmental and considered everyone equals. Money or social status did not matter to Bob. Bob enjoyed being physically active by doing Tai Chi, Kung Fu, weight lifting, and walking. Bob was an amazing son, brother, husband, uncle, father, cousin, grandpa, son-in-law, and mentor for his community.A memorial service will be held for Bob on Monday, December 23rd at 4 PM at Calvary Open Bible Church, 710 N. Court St. Ottumwa, IA. 52501 with a gathering afterwards downstairs. Graveside services at Fiedler Cemetery will be at a later date where he will reside next to his mother, Joyce Vaughan. Any donations for the services and burial will be directed to Maria Handley mia.bower4@gmail.com. Flowers may be sent to the church. Sinnott Funeral Home in Ottumwa is assisting the family with arrangements.
