Bob Parrott was publisher of the DeWitt Observer for 41 years until his death in 1996. He was raised in Wheaton, Illinois, and graduated from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. While in school, Bob met Phyllis Null of Monticello, Iowa, and the two married on December 29, 1950. They moved to Maquoketa, Iowa, where Bob started his career in the newspaper business. He was named the Observer’s publisher in the fall of 1954 and was named Master Editor-Publisher by the Iowa Press Association in 1980.

Bob was a very active community member and served as president of the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce, the DeWitt Development Company and the Clinton County Women’s Health Services. Phyllis and Bob were members of the DeWitt United Methodist Church, where he held many leadership positions and was a long-time choir member. Bob was also a member of the Noon Lions Club for 41 years.

Bob worked behind the scenes on many community projects, including the DeWitt Community Hospital, the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library and the DeWitt Operahouse restoration project. No project inspired Bob more than school improvements. He was an ardent supporter of any, and all, school bond issues, attended athletic functions, musicals and theatrical performances.

Bob and Phyllis’ five children - Julie, Steve, Jeff, Sheri and Janice all graduated from DeWitt Community High School, along with three grandchildren. The Parrott’s are blessed with eight grandchildren in all.

The Bob Parrott Endowment Fund benefits language arts and journalism projects.