Bobby Rorex

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Bobby Rorex, 85, of Iowa City, Iowa, passed away at Heritage Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on April 6, 2023.

An informal gathering will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. May 20 at Lensing Funeral Home in Iowa City.

Bobby was born on July 20, 1937, in Harrisburg to Thomas and Mildred Martin Rorex. After graduating from Jonesboro High School, he attended Arkansas State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to receive two master's degrees from the University of Iowa in art and fine arts.

During graduate school, Bobby met Karen Sweeting and the couple was married on April 11, 1964. From this union, they were blessed with five children.

The couple moved to Orange City, Iowa, where Bobby taught for four years. After moving back to Iowa City, he went on to work at the Union Bus Depot for almost 40 years.

Growing up, Bobby listened to the St. Louis Cardinals on the radio, cementing his lifelong love of the Redbirds and baseball. He passed this love of baseball and the Cardinals on to his family, coaching his children in Little League and softball. At the end of the season, Bobby always celebrated the teams by either throwing a pizza party or holding a picnic at City Park.

In addition, Bobby loved gardening, cooking and all things Hawkeyes. He touched the lives of many people with his love, kindheartedness and compassion. He never knew a stranger, always a friend.

Bobby is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Karen; children, Mark of North Liberty, Iowa, Carson (Lori) of Potosi, Mo., Charles and Michael, both of Iowa City, and Kathy (Todd) Rust of West Des Moines, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Tommie, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Billie Bryant, Myra Phillips and Greta Sutterfield, three brothers, Charles, James and Thomas, and one grandson, James.

Honoring his wishes, his body has been donated to The University of Iowa Deeded Body Program.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics or Iowa City Parks and Recreation.

Online condolences: www.lensingfuneral.com