Robert "Bob" Leroy Lawthers, age 88 of Grinnell, Iowa died Friday October 23, 2020 at Grinnell Health Care Center. A private family service with military honors will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell at a later date. Memorials may be designated to UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Bob's family online at www.smithfh.com. Bob was born January 6, 1932 to Oliver and Mary (Williams) Lawthers in David City, Nebraska. Bob moved from Nebraska with his family to a rural farm outside of Grinnell in 1941, where he learned to farm and care for livestock. He graduated from Grinnell High School in 1949 and went to join the United States Army shortly thereafter. Bob served as a tank commander in the Korean Conflict and was ranked as a Sergeant First Class. He returned stateside and continued to serve as Drill Sergeant in Louisiana until his discharge from the Army. Bob married Beverly Ann Clark of Montour, Iowa on May 25,1952, and they later adopted two children, Brian and Belinda. He farmed and worked for several companies until starting Lawthers Excavating, which he ran with his wife and son until 1984. Bob briefly worked for Grinnell High School and retired from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company in 1998. Bob was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Isaac Walton League. He loved spending his time in the outdoors where he would hunt, fish and camp. After his wife passed away in 1986, Bob met his long-time partner Linda Roush and they remained together until his death. Bob leaves behind his partner Linda Roush of Grinnell; sister, Delores Johnson of Grinnell; son Brian (Lori) of Roanoke, TX; daughter, Belinda Stevens (Maggie) of Farmington, MO; and three granddaughters, Amanda, Sydney, and Reagan. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, wife Beverly, and brother-in-law Robert Johnson.