Robert "Bob" Burdette Figgins was born the fourth of nine children to Woodrow Harry and Beatrice Evelyn (Pieken) Figgins, on Aug. 28, 1947, in Atlantic, and died February 6, 2023, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, at the age of 75 years, five months and nine days.
?Bob grew up in Atlantic and attended the Atlantic Community Schools. Following graduation, Bob joined the US Army and was deployed with the 4th Armored Division in Bamberg, Germany, as a driver of armored personnel carriers. Upon returning from the service, he resumed working for the Atlantic Locker and then worked at Walnut Grove Products for over 30 years until it closed. At this point, Bob went into business for himself as a carpenter until failing health forced his retirement.
Bob was married to Barbara Kay Keller on Aug. 11, 1969. To this union, two children were born: Rebecca Kay and Brett Robert. If you couldn't find Bob, he was likely out hunting, fishing, trapping or doing just about anything related to woodworking. Among Bob's favorite memories were the many trips made to Germany, Austria and other European countries. He was a member of Exira Lutheran Church and served as usher and on various church boards over the years. Bob especially cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren and instilled in them his love of listening to 50s & 60s rock-and-roll music.
Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Rebecca (John) Crawley; son, Brett (Jennifer) Figgins; grandchildren, Colin Crawley (fiancé Randi Hayden), Evan (Brooke) Crawley, Kaylyn Crawley, Ella Figgins, Henry Figgins, Kate Figgins; brothers, Ed (Lois) Figgins, James (Marge) Figgins, Jack Figgins; sisters, Betty Pope, Arlene (Dale) Roush, Eileen Toland and Elaine (Leo) Garside; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Juanita (Ken) Kise, Patricia (Larry) Follmann, Linda Schade, Ed (Sue) Keller, and Connie Scott; and many nieces, nephews and friends. ?
Preceding him in death were his parents, Woodrow and Beatrice Figgins; mother and father-in-law, Arlie and Dorthea Keller; brothers-in-law, Thomas Pope, John Schade, and John Scott; nephews, David Figgins and Craig Figgins; and great-nephew, Oscar Burns.?
Open visitation will be held from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, followed by visitation with family present from 5- 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Exira Lutheran Church with Pastor Kelly Pedersen officiating. The service will be recorded and available on the Roland Funeral Service website by Monday. Burial will be held at a later date in the Atlantic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Exira Lutheran Church.?
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Bob's family and arrangements. Condolences may be left at
www.rolandfuneralservice.com. Published by Atlantic News Telegraph on Feb. 8, 2023.