Charles Robert "Bob" Allison

Charles Robert “Bob” Allison was born February 24, 1942, to Berg and Louise Overturf Allison in Ottumwa, Iowa. He died in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 2, 2025, from the primary illness of Parkinson’s from agent orange and secondary illness of esophageal cancer. He was married November 17, 1961, to Sue Bennett of Ottumwa, IA. He graduated from William Penn College, Oskaloosa, IA, in May 1966, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Vietnam from April 1967-1968 where he served with the First Cavalry’s heavy artillery division. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart as well as numerous other decorations. He was an E-5. In 1968, he began his aviation administration career as Airport Manager, Ottumwa, IA Airport; Assistant Aviation Director, Des Moines, IA; Aviation Director, Durango, Co.; and Assistant Aviation Director, Colorado Springs, Co; in charge of many major airport constructions including the Colorado Springs Airport and runways. Due to health issues from being exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and PTSD, he retired in 1999. Bob was a co-founder of Arrowhead Chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Des Moines, volunteer President of the Chamber of Commerce in Durango and co-founder of Colorado Airport Operators’ Association. He was appointed to two three-year terms of the Colorado Aeronautics’ Board by Governor Romer. Bob and Sue returned to Des Moines, IA in 2008, to be close to the family who we loved. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sue, daughters Lora (Mike) Bird and Lisa Allison, all of Des Moines. Also, grandchildren Aidan (Ava Grenko), Ames, IA, and Alyssa Bird, (ISU) Des Moines. He is also survived by his sister Ann (Tom) Dorr of Des Moines, sister-in-law Joy Allison of York, ME, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Alice (Cantril) Bennett of Brooklyn Center, MN. He was predeceased by his parents, brother David Allison, and brother-in-law Steve Bennett. Bob will be cremated and a private military service will be held at the Veterans’ Cemetery Lot 4, in Adel, Iowa, at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Youth Law Center, 300 Walnut St. Ste 295, 50309 (nonprofit where Lisa is an attorney) or the Salvation Army, 4620 SE 14th St. 50320. Services are being handled by Dyamond Memorial in Ankeny, Iowa.

Charles Robert "Bob" Allison

February 24, 1942 - December 2, 2025