Robert Irvin Kincaid was born March 23, 1943 in Charleston, Mississippi to Mose and Allie Pearl Kincaid. The Kincaid family moved from Charleston to Waterloo, Iowa in 1944. Robert, also known as Bob, was one of five children; John, Cynthia, and Gregory. Later, in Waterloo, Calvin Jones, when adopted, became the eldest son.

Robert’s spiritual life began at an early age; and in 1953, he accepted Christ at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Waterloo. As Bob grew older, he became a diligent bible student. Each day, he would put on his armor; his morning devotion, bible study and prayer. When his schedule permitted, he could be found Wednesdays at the Bible Study. On Saturday evenings, he would always take time to study his Sunday School lessons.

As a youth he attended, Grant Elementary, Logan Junior High and graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1961. He later completed a dual Bachelor degree in Secondary Education and Physical Education from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. He also completed Graduate coursework in College Student Personnel and Recreation Administration from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley.

Even though he was a tall man at six foot four, he was always willing to lower himself to be of greater service to others. Robert’s early days in his career were long and full as a Juvenile Officer for Black Hawk County. His stern yet gentle nature helped to provide structure and direction no matter what time of day or night. He once stated'” what kids need is someone who really cares.” He was vitally concerned about the welfare of the 40 to 50 juveniles he was responsible for.

Bob’s passion for service motivated him to be a strong force in the development of the Head Start programs in Iowa. He served on the Head Start Board of Directors for many years. His desire was to see that young children were equipped with a strong foundation and placed on roads that would lead them to bright futures.

As he transitioned into the Academic and Athletic environment, many young men encountered Robert on the sideline of the sports fields. It was there where he instilled life lessons that transcended far beyond athletics. Robert’s influence was witnessed by generations and his profound impact on young people was manifested in their families and communities.

Many student athletes on the campuses of Missouri State University Springfield, University of Kansas Lawrence, University of Northern Iowa and University of Northern Colorado were blessed by the kindness and guidance Coach Kincaid provided.

The encounter Robert James Waller; an instructor at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), had with Bob, led Waller to name the primary character in his book and movie, The Bridges of Madison County, Robert Irvin Kincaid.

Robert’s love to travel led him on many road trips. For years, he could be seen rolling out of a Volkswagen, a small truck or station wagon that could be used for his travels or service projects. His travels were devoted to finding “his people” throughout the country. He would spend his time and gas going to meet or unite with relatives, young and old in Mississippi and throughout the south. Bob often ended his travels by returning to Iowa, Kansas and Missouri with a trunk full of melons; melons to be delivered to relatives and seniors in the community.

Big Bob, or Big Boy as his mother and older brother loving called him, always planned meals that allowed friends and families to enjoy the results of his culinary skills. He was known to family and friends as the “Master Griller.” He took pleasure in prepping and cooking grill delicacies that provided toe-tapping eats to all. He guarded and kept his secret Rub recipe, even from his Mother.

He had a positive and profound impact to those who knew him. His strength, kindness and passion has forever changed us, and those qualities shall never be forgotten.

Robert made his transition into God’s presence on Sunday, June 2, 2019. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers John Kincaid (Suzie) and Gregory Kincaid both of Waterloo; sister Cynthia Harrington of Detroit, MI and Judy Jones of Waterloo. Fiancée Marcia Schemmel of Sioux City, IA. Nieces; Lisa Kincaid of Phoenix, AZ. Carmen Harrington of Reno, NV. Kelli Kincaid of Phoenix, AZ. Jozetta Burrell (Tony Sr.) of Des Moines, IA. Deidra Greer of Waterloo. Kristi Kincaid of Phoenix, AZ. Hattie Willoughby (Heath), Chesterton, IN. Tamara Edmonds (Devin) of Pittsburg, PA and Jenni Kincaid of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Nephews; Tony Holland of Los Angeles, CA. Mark Holland of Los Angeles, CA. Barry Jones of Des Moines, IA and John Robert Harrington of Phoenix, AZ. A host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Mose and Allie Pearl Kincaid, brother Calvin Jones and brother-in-law, Gerald Harrington.