T.R. "Bob" Scarborough

Bob Scarborough, 92, passed away at Edgewater on September 15, 2023. The cause of death was a long and happy life.

Bob was born in Des Moines on September 29, 1930 to Ted and Joselyn Scarborough. He married his high-school sweetheart, Jo Lee Reid, in 1951. They affectionately referred to each other (and were known to their family and close friends) as Mif and Dif, and they were inseparable throughout their 63 years of marriage. One of Bob’s last requests was that their joint tombstone include the caption Mif & Dif Forever.

From an early age, Bob was determined to get the most out of life. He started his first job at age fourteen and worked three jobs to pay for and become the first in his family to graduate from college. He was a proud graduate of Valley High School and Drake University, where he majored in business and finance. He earned the rank of captain in the Army during the Korean War by serving in the finance department. With Jo Lee, he was co-publisher of three weekly newspapers: The West Des Moines Express, The Ankeny Press Citizen, and The Northern Polk County News. Bob and Jo Lee were the third generation to own the West Des Moines Express, which was in the family for 92 years, and possessed a uniquely rich understanding of and connection to their community. They were also co-presidents of book publisher Rob Lee Hill Publishing.

When Bob was 52, he and Jo Lee sold their publishing businesses and founded Scarborough Investments, which owned and operated residential rental properties in West Des Moines. Bob enjoyed his freedom away from the constant deadlines of the newspapers and spent the majority of his second half of life with his family and friends, who relished his ability to be fully present and his genuine interest in others. Mif and Dif showered their grandchildren with their love and attention, taking each of them individually on numerous vacations. Bob loved the water, especially boating and swimming while at his “retirement homes” at Lake of the Ozarks, Key Colony Beach, and West Palm Beach. In his 80s and even early 90s, Bob could be seen driving around town in his red convertibles—first a vintage MG then a newer Jaguar. He was also an active participant in the community and particularly enjoyed his many years of engagement with The Ray Society (lifelong learning at Drake) and Friends of Drake Arts.

Bob will be remembered for his vibrancy, youthful enjoyment of life, broad smile, and “can do” attitude. Those left to cherish his memory are daughter Shayla (Dr. Joel) From of West Des Moines; son Robert Scarborough of Brewster, MA; grandchildren Justin (Tara) From, Andrew (Katie) From, Madeline Scarborough, Isabelle Scarborough; great grandson Rowdy Robert (after Bob) From; sister Candice (Max) McMains; nephews Todd (Amy) VanDeventer, Ted VanDeventer; and other beloved extended family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

His family would like to thank his son-in-law Dr. Joel From and the Iowa Heart Center for years of tremendous medical care. They would also like to thank the staff at Edgewater Assisted Living and Wesley Life Hospice for their care and support in Bob’s last months.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be a private family burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Bob loved to go out for lunch with friends and family, especially his multigenerational group of regulars at Nick’s and then Champion’s Hideaway. In lieu of memorials or flowers, enjoy a lunch out and raise a glass in his honor.