Robert E. Phipps

Robert E. Phipps

Venice, FL

Robert (Bob) Eugene Phipps, husband, father, and cherished member of the community, passed away with family by his side on Feb 5, 2025, at the Tidewell Hospice House in Venice, FL. He was 83.

A private service will be held with family members gathered to honor his memory and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Fairfield Athletics Booster Club or Fairfield Golf and Country Club. Memorials and cards can be sent to: Marty Phipps, 7000 Aston Gardens, Unit 110, Venice, FL 34292.

Born on March 10, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas, to Dorothy Maude (Frost) Phipps and Charles Wesley Phipps, Bob spent his early years in Topeka before his family relocated to Ottumwa, Iowa in 1947. Bob graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1959. He attended Iowa State University for two years before transferring to the American Institute of Business (AIB), where he completed an Associate Degree in Business. He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Parsons College in 1967.

His career in business was marked by dedication and success. From 1963 to 1965, Bob worked at KMCD in Fairfield, Iowa. He then devoted 30 years to Evans Insurance Agency, earning numerous national awards with Travelers Insurance. His leadership extended to his role as Executive Vice-President of the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Fairfield Economic Development Association from 1997 to 2006.

Bob contributed significantly to education, serving on the AIB Board of Trustees from 1974 to 1977 and leading the Iowa College Student Aid Commission as Chairman from 1983 to 1997. A committed community leader, Bob co-founded the Fairfield Friendship Force and was integral in starting the Legislative Breakfast in Fairfield. He was a Charter Member of the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Board and served as a representative supporting the Employer Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR), enhancing facilities like the National Guard Band facility in Fairfield through his advocacy.

His commitment to community service extended to his membership in various clubs and organizations, including the Fairfield Lions Club and Elks Lodge, each for over 50 years, Fairfield Golf and Country Club, Masonic Lodge, Kaaba Shriner’s, and his role as an Elder and Treasurer of the First United Presbyterian Church. He was also the voice of the Trojans for many years.

An avid golfer, Bob claimed numerous city and club tournament championships. In retirement, he continued his passion for golf as a Starter and Ranger at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Florida, where he moved in 2007.

Bob is survived by his wife Marty (Harris) Van Tasell Phipps, son Robert Phipps and wife Cheryl, daughter Sara (Phipps) Jorgensen and husband Chris, son Michael Van Tasell, daughter Kathryn Van Tasell, and son Patrick Van Tasell; his seven grandchildren, Melanie Phipps, Ryan Phipps, Kelsi (Phipps) Amos and husband Dustin, Sydney Jorgensen, Kendall Jorgensen, Trae Van Tasell, and Noah Harrington; and six great-grandchildren. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy (Frost) Phipps, and sister, Joan (Phipps) Barnes and husband Ted Barnes.