Robert L. Custer

Robert Leslie Custer was born in Washington County, Iowa, September 8, 1925, the son of Charles and Maranda Custer. He passed away Monday, July 3, 2017, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, at the age of ninety-one.
Robert received his education at country school near his home through the eighth grade and continued his education at Washington High School graduating with the Class of 1943. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army Air Corps, serving his country from October of 1943 as a cadet and was honorably discharged two years later as a flight officer. Robert played the clarinet in the Washington High School Band and while in the service, he played in the Alabama University Band as well as in several dance bands.
Robert was united in marriage to Beverly Butterworth June 18, 1946, and they were blessed with the birth of four children: Raberta, Gayle, Richard and Craig. He worked for several farmers as hired help before he and Beverly began farming for themselves in 1948 eventually moving to Dow City to farm. The Custers operated a trucking business with stock and grain trucks for thirteen years before retiring to Dow City in 1991. Robert drove the school bus for the Dow City Schools from 1982 until he was in his 70's.
From 1988 until 1999, Robert was the pastor at the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Dow City. He served on the Dow City-Arion School Board for twelve years, was a member of the Masons and Eastern Star, and was an area supervisor for the Cub and Boy Scouts of America. Robert was also Mayor of Dow City for a total of 10 years, and on the Dow City City Coucil for 16 years. His family, community and religion were very important to him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his parents-in-law; one sister-in-law, Joyce; and his wife, Beverly in April of 2017. Survivors include two daughters, Raberta and husband, Stephen and Gayle and husband, David; two sons, Richard and wife, Kathy and Craig and wife, Linda; 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Burial will be at a later date.