Robert Jewell

Robert Edward Jewell, owner of Jewell Electric, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Iola early Sunday, July 21. Bob, the son of Vievie and Edward Jewell, was born in Iola on September 26, 1949. Bob moved with his family from Humboldt to Iola in 1955 where he attended Iola schools, graduating from Iola High School in 1967. He married Donna Link in 1969; they later divorced. He then married Judy Miller, the love of his life, on February 25, 1976. They raised their children Melissa Jewell, Michael Jewell, and Dina Jewell Boan, just a block from where he grew up.

Besides his adoring wife Judy and three children, Bob is survived by eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sisters Eddyra Nelson (Delbert), and Ona Jewell Chapman; his step-brother David Teague, step-sister Alana Anderson, and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Edward and Vievie Jewell (Teague), his step-father Alan Teague, and his brother-in-law Arthur Chapman.

Bob was a firefighter and EMT with the Iola Fire Department until 1986. He started Jewell Electric in 1982, and it was still an active business at the time of his death.

Bob served in the Kansas Army National Guard, joining shortly after graduating from high school. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Forty and Eight. He was a life member of the Elks' Lodge. Bob was a member of Iola Masonic Lodge #38, beginning his Masonic journey in May, 1984 and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in November, 1985. He was also a Shriner with Mirza Temple in Pittsburg Kansas, and he a member of York Rite #8 in Iola.

Bob was a faithful member of the Carlyle Presbyterian Church.

Bob's favorite pastime from early childhood was camping. He began riding a motorcycle after high school as a nod to his dad, and that became a lifelong passion. He was a member of a Christian biker club, and he and Judy took trips with them, including to Death Valley. Bob loved being around people, drinking coffee with his many friends at McDonalds, and spending time with his family. Every Sunday he went to the Nelson Farm to feed Bobo the donkey and their other animals, and his dog Goody was always his trusty companion. Another passion was mowing with his Kobota tractor around his shop. Bob loved his Iola community, and he was well known for offering to help anyone who needed him.

A memorial in Bob's name will be established with the Iola American Legion Baseball team and can be left with the funeral home.

Visitation will be at Feuerborn Family Funeral Home, 1883 US-54, Iola, Kansas, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM. The funeral will be at the Carlyle Presbyterian Church at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Iola.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.