Robert Dewitt Asberry

Robert DeWitt Asberry, the son of DeWitt Talbot and Sadie Mae (Jansen) Asberry, was born on June 30, 1930, at the Atchison County Hospital in Atchison, Kansas and died October 21, 2015, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon at the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 21 days.
Robert was baptized and confirmed at the Atchison Methodist Church. He attended the Effingham Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1949. He then helped on the family farm and other area farmers. Living on the farm allowed him to raise and show Guernsey cattle and Quarter horses. On February 5, 1952, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty he was stationed stateside at Fort Lawton, Washington with the transportation battalion. Robert was honorably discharged on February 4, 1954, and moved to Exira, Iowa to work for his Army buddy Charles Crees and for George Mardesen hauling livestock.
On March 12, 1955, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Wells in Topeka, Kansas. Three children Robert, Vickie, and John were born to this union. Robert drove for Charles and George then purchased his own truck and hauled livestock as Asberry Trucking until 1963. He purchased the Exira Elevator and sold feed and supplies for several years. Robert then again joined into partnership with Charles at the Audubon County Livestock later co-owning the business with Alan Smalley. They closed the business in 1994. Robert worked as a field representative for Massena Livestock then later retired but continued to find replacement cattle for local farmers. Robert and Evelyn were members of several area saddle clubs. They were members of the American Quarter Horse Association, the Palomino Horse Breeders of America, and the American Paint Horse Association. They raised and showed horses extensively throughout the Midwest states with numerous Grand Reserve Champions and World Champions.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents DeWitt and Sadie Mae Asberry; and his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Mary Ann Petersen, Donald Wells and Robert Wells.
Survivors include his wife Evelyn Asberry of Exira, Iowa; his children Bobby Dee and wife Shelli Asberry, Vickie Ann Asberry, and John and wife Denise Asberry all of Exira, Iowa; his grandchildren Estee and husband Ryan Roe of Clive, Iowa, Chad and wife Ashley Asberry of West Des Moines, Iowa, Blake Asberry and Lexi and Brett Christensen all of Exira, Iowa, Jenny Henningsen and Scott Petersen of Audubon, Iowa, Deric Henningsen of Exira, Iowa, Nicole and husband Cody Seaman of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Sarah Asberry and husband Richard Metson of Essex, England U.K., Charlie Asberry and friend Steph Brannan, Jan Asberry and Brent Asberry all of Exira, Iowa; his great grandchildren Nash and London Roe both of Clive, Iowa, Lane and Lincoln Christensen both of Exira, Iowa, Chase Petersen of Ames, Iowa, Whitney, Kya, and Bryli Petersen all of Audubon, Iowa, Macie, Charlie, Finley, Huxley, and Evie Seaman all of Alamogordo, New Mexico; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Roger Claxton on Monday, October 26, 2015, at 11:30 A.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Inurnment will be in the Exira Cemetery at a later date. The Honorary casket bearers will be Estee Roe, Chad Asberry, Blake Asberry, Lexi Christensen, Jenny Henningsen, Deric Henningsen, Nicole Seaman, Sarah Asberry, Charlie Asberry, Jan Asberry, and Brent Asberry. The family will meet with friends Monday morning October 26, 2015 from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa.