Robert Dale Reed, 77, passed away Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at his home in Albia surrounded by many loved ones.Bob loved his family and friends, his community and his work. The cancer took only his body. His beautiful soul is in heaven. But his memory, his spirit and his love lives on in each and every member of his family (even the generations to come) and in anyone whose life was ever touched by him.Bob was born on April 11, 1931, to Tobe and Signe Marie (Carlson) Reed. He graduated from Albia High School in 1949. Bob married Donna Jo'an Cashwell, his wife of 57 years, on Nov. 3, 1951, in Kirksville, Mo.Bob started his asphalt paving career at age 17 and worked for several prominent road construction companies before starting Albia Construction Co. in 1963 along with partners Elster Cooper and Russell Silvers. In 1969 Reed Construction Co., Inc. was established. Bob also started Reed Transportation (cattle hauling) and R and H Contractors. In addition to working, Bob acquired a farm, Reed's Rolling Acres, on which he enjoyed raising many donkeys, goats, horses and llamas. Bob was currently a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Southern Iowa Vintage Tractor Club, Monroe County Historic Preservation Board, and the Albia Planning and Zoning Board. Albia Restoration Days was one of Bob's favorite community events. He hosted annual Threshing Bees along with a petting zoo, draft horse plowing, jumping mules, etc.Tractors came from all around the area to join the Great Albia Tractor Ride out to the Threshing Bee. Many area Shriners enjoyed lunches at Bob's shop following the parade and Bob never missed the Follies entertainment. Bob enjoyed driving in all the area parades.In the past he has been a member of the Albia Industrial Development Corporation, Monroe County Civil Defense and the Rathbun Lake Association Board of Directors. Bob served as president of the Albia Chamber of Commerce in 1978, 1989 and 1991 and as president of the Albia Country Club for three years. He was the 27th president of the Asphalt Paving Assoc. of Iowa and co-chaired the Iowa High School Rodeo Association for many years. Bob also served on the Monroe County Fair Board and spent many hours preparing the grounds.Through the years Bob received some great recognition for all of his involvement and hard work in the community. In 1986 he was awarded the Outstanding Civic Leader award and in 1987 was inducted into the Albia Hall of Fame. In 1994 he received Business of the Year and in 1997 was inducted into the Albia Community High School Wall of Fame. Bob received the "Iowan of the Day" award in 1999 and was also the Albia Restoration Days Parade Marshal. In 2002 he received the Monroe County Agribusiness Award and most recently was so very honored with a Special Country Showcase all of his own.Bob also received special recognition for his asphalt work. In 1981 he received an APAI Smoothness Award for Airport Runway Paving. In 1993 he received the Special Paving Application award for a running track and in 1994 received another Special Paving Application award for a tennis court. Most recently in 2007, Bob was inducted into the Iowa Hot Mix Asphalt Hall of Fame.Bob is survived by his wife; his four children, Jack (Linda) Reed of Ottumwa, Debi Reed of Albia, Rob (Kathy) Reed of Ottumwa and Robin (Jan) Haselhuhn of Albia; five grandsons, Scott Reed, Ryan (Ashley) Reed, Tyler Reed, Lyndon and Caleb Haselhuhn; two granddaughters, Bobbi Jo Reed and Allyson Haselhuhn; three great-grandsons, Tanner, Colby, and Brady Reed; stepmother Elsie Reed; five brothers, Ray (Pat) Reed, David Reed, Ronnie (Sharon) Reed, Terry (Carol) Reed and Randy (Penny) Reed; one sister, Nellie (Ramon) Osborn; mother-in-law Nellie Collins and many dear nieces and nephews.Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Jay Allen Reed. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia.

Published in the Ottumwa Daily Courier from 3/1/2009 - 3/2/2009