Robert "Bob" J. Markey

Robert “Bob” J. Markey passed away on February 19, 2026 at Unity Point Hospital from a hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. He was 66 years old. Visitation will be at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 12 to 2 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2pm with burial immediately following at Resthaven Cemetery. The family encourages people to wear Cubs attire if they have it!

Bob was born and raised in Des Moines in the Oak Park/Highland Park area. He graduated from North High School in 1977. He was an excellent trumpet player and was involved in baseball growing up. This gave him a love for the Cubs baseball teams! He went to Chicago to see the Cubs play every chance he got and went to many games at Principal Park. He attended all of his boys’ sporting events as well. He loved to go boating at Saylorville or on the Des Moines river too. He enjoyed sitting outside in his yard with a group of friends every Sunday afternoon talking about anything and everything and just having a good time! He also enjoyed going to the State Fair every year to listen to all the free music stages.

Bob never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime! He has spent the last decade living with his mother and helping take care of yard chores and anything else she might have needed. Bob worked at many jobs over the years but most recently retired from the IRS after 16 years of service–a job he absolutely loved!

Bob was preceded in death by his father, William Markey. Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Joe Markey and Ben (Kylie) Markey and his four grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Lenore Markey; sisters, Shirley Markey and Laura (John) Walker.

The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Bob’s best friend, Tom Beasley, for helping transport Bob to a lot of his appointments and being at the family’s beck and call 24/7 whenever they needed anything.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Animal Rescue League or any animal shelter of your choice.