Robert James Burks, 64, died at home on May 13, 2021 surrounded by his family following a courageously fought two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl, daughters Amy Burks (TJ Daley) and Dusten Galvin (Jess), grandchildren Lilly Galvin, and Wyatt and Isabel Daley, and his brother CP (Ellen) Burks. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Bobbie Ray and Gwen Burks, and sister Rose Burks.

Robert was born in Shreveport, Lousiana on August 28, 1956. A newspaper man for life, he began work at the Shreveport Times when he was 17. He married Sheryl in 1977, and moved his young family to Des Moines in April 1979 in search of greater opportunity. Over the years they grew to love Iowa and made a wonderful life here. Proud to be a union member, he worked at The Des Moines Register in Production for 40 years. He was a great working man who always put his family first.

He liked nothing more than a cold PBR, a game of pool, tending to his hummingbird feeders and birdbath, rooting for the LSU Tigers, and cranking some tunes on Saturday date nights with Sheryl. An accomplished home cook, food was his great passion in life. One of his signature phrases was "I just love to feed hungry people." Specialties of the house were smoked meats, Cajun and Creole dishes, and his favorite, the Southern classic meat-and-three. If you ever sat at his table you know how deeply committed he was to both eating and preparing delicious meals. We might try to recreate his recipes, but they just won't taste the same as when they were made by him with innate technique and love.

To us, Robert was larger than life. He was exceptionally devoted to family, a loyal friend, a hard worker, our weatherman, an eternal optimist, a legendary party animal, a learned historian, a trusted advisor, and beloved Papa to all (including all of his "adopted" daughters). He instilled in us an enduring love of family, nature, and libations. Robert had a way with words, and a unique perspective on life. With his deep bass Southern drawl, he was the voice of reason for a great many people over the years. He brought an informed, balanced and empathetic view of the world to any conversation, even when he was making stuff up. And if you weren't meeting his standards, he was sure to let you know that too. We will miss his leadership and life philosophy every day. He showed us in so many ways how to live with grace, and in the end he also showed us how to die with grace.

Robert, Sheryl, Amy and Dusten extend much gratitude to all the family and friends who have offered prayers and support over the past two years, and also to the surgery, oncology and hospice teams at MercyOne. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.