Robert “Bob” Leroy Skinner, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was born on August 11, 1938, in Ottumwa, IA, to Ralph Newton and Evelyn Mae (Mote) Skinner.
He passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025.
Renowned in his community for his kindness and warmth, Robert spent his years enriching the lives of those around him with his wisdom and love. Robert devoted his professional life to serving the community as the Manager of Derby Gas, which later became Pester Derby, and eventually evolved into Costal Mart on Richmond Avenue in Ottumwa.
His dedication to his work was evident in the meticulous care he took of his establishment, ensuring his customers always felt welcome and appreciated. But it was not only his work that defined him. Robert was a man of many hobbies and passions. In his younger years, he had a fondness for trout and cat fishing. His love for woodworking was shared with his grandkids, a legacy he was proud to pass on. Never one to sit idle, Robert also took pleasure in traveling and occasionally indulging in a visit to the casino. His green thumb was evident in his love for gardening, especially his tomatoes and peppers, which he tended to with great care. Later in life, he was lovingly assisted by his brothers-in-law, Isaac Basket and Richard Mitts, who helped with yard work and everyday errands. He also enjoyed interacting and joking with his nieces and nephews. Above all, what mattered most to Robert was his family. His compassionate spirit extended to ensuring his home was well-kept and his pets were taken care of.
He cherished his beloved wife and family, always placing their needs above his own, and demonstrated his love in countless ways. Robert’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep connection to those he held dear. He is survived by his wife Judith; two children, Marcia (Phillip) Mathias, Paula (Robert) LaPoint; grandchildren, Jaydon (Sarah) Mathias, Sarah LaPoint, Jessica (Jake) Pitt, Chelsea (Kurt) Gee; great grandchildren, Montanna, Morgan, Levi, Haylee, Rhett, Tripp, and Isley; siblings, Harold (Judy) Skinner, Ralph Warren (Jose) Skinner, Dianne (Rick) Rogers. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Evelyn Skinner; siblings, Karen Basket, Linda Williams, Paulette Mitts. Visitation will be held Monday, January 5, 2026 from 10:00 am -12:00 pm., with a time of sharing led by Pastor Mel Kendall. Interment will follow in Chisman Cemetery.
Memorials have been established to the family and will be directed at a later date. We invite you to share your memories of Robert and upload photos to his memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a testament to the love he gave and the lives he touched.
Let us remember Robert “Bob” Leroy Skinner, not for his departure, but for the vibrant life he lived and the love he left behind.
