Robert Decamp

Robert Ray DeCamp, 85, passed away peacefully and in the presence of family on Friday, February 9th, 2024, at Bickford of West Des Moines after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bob was born on July 3, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert C. and E. Marie DeCamp. Bob graduated from Adel High School in 1956 and shortly after enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1956 to 1959. Bob married Sharon V. McKinney on August 23, 1956, and over the next 4 years welcomed three daughters.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as an auto mechanic with his father for several years. Bob then joined the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office in 1966 first as a deputy then was ultimately elected sheriff from 1976-1979. In January 1979, he took a break from the Sheriff’s Office to operate a fishing resort in northern Minnesota for the next 8 years, after which he returned to Dallas County as a deputy and finally retired in 2005. He selflessly dedicated over 30 years of service to protecting his community. Bob was known to have an all-seeing eye, which made it very difficult for his 3 teenage daughters growing up, as they never got away with anything. This was especially true for Deb, in her many failed attempts at teenage rebellion.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, bird watching, gardening, traveling, WW2 history and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Due to his caring nature, he was an adopted grandpa to many, lending an ear to whoever was in need.

He and his family spent many summers fishing on Leech Lake, Minnesota, although he spent more time untangling lines and removing fish from hooks for his daughters, than he did catching fish.

He was a great storyteller and never missed an opportunity to embellish his tales. He also was never afraid to embrace his inner child, many times being the victim of manicures and makeovers being a girl dad and having three granddaughters, which he always took in stride and embraced every minute.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, of 67 years. Daughters: Kathy (Jim) Baldwin of Adel, Deb Jensen of Maple Grove, MN and Margie (Tim) Branam of Adel. Grandchildren: Mike (Jill) Baldwin, Jamie (John) Wetter, Ryan (Erin) Jensen, Kristen (Kyle) Stump, Cody (Molly) Branam and MacKenzie (Tom) Walter. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert C. and E. Marie DeCamp.

A special thanks to Bickford of West Des Moines and Suncrest Hospice for all their loving care and support throughout his journey. Memorial contributions may be made to Bickford of West Des Moines and Suncrest Home Health and Hospice of West Des Moines.

Per family request, a private memorial service will be held. Interment will be at Waukee Cemetery.