Robert "Bobby" L. Awe

Robert “Bobby” Leroy Awe, 83, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Saturday, August 24, 2024, at his home. No services are scheduled at this time.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Robert was born June 6, 1941, in Primghar, IA, the son of Gerald C. and Ideal B. (Davis) Awe. He graduated from LuVerne High School in 1959, and moved to Fort Dodge where he managed Radio Trade Supply Company for 32 years before starting Awe Right Pest Control. He retired in 2008. Bobby began his music career at the age of 16. He was a traditional country music entertainer for 70 years, performing at dances, weddings, festivals and other special occasions in Iowa and several surrounding states. Bobby Awe and the Country Awe Stars played at Frontier Days for 42 years. He was the band leader and played steel guitar, base guitar, rhythm guitar and fiddle. The band members also included Dale Eichor, Arlo Hogrefe and Rich Coleman. Bobby's contributions to the world of music extended beyond live performances. He proudly recorded six CDs throughout his career and operated his own recording studio, demonstrating a dedication to his craft and a commitment to sharing the joy of music with others. From 1958 to 1978, Bobby hosted and performed on a popular television show, "Country Music Time," which aired every Saturday night for an hour. This program had been on R.F.D.T.V. nationwide and became a staple in the lives of many viewers, though the show’s run came to an abrupt halt due to tornado damage of the KVFD Studio. Music was a huge part of his life. Bobby was also inducted into the Iowa Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003. In 1974, he married Yvonne (Klein). The couple later divorced. On February 20, 2002, he was united in marriage to Joyce “Joy” (Qualls) at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Bobby enjoyed fishing and camping, providing him opportunities to revel in nature's beauty. Gardening was another passion of his, where he nurtured plants with the same love and care he poured into his music. A true enthusiast of life, Bobby also enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle and perfecting his culinary skills as he barbecued meats on his smoker.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 22 years: Joy Awe of Fort Dodge; daughter: Kelly Short and husband Lonnie of Bode, IA; 6 step-children: Bethany Marie Shrewsbury-Olivas and husband Gus of El Paso, TX, Heidi Michelle Michelson and husband John of Canby, OR, Joyce Juleen “Julie” Shrewsbury of El Paso, Richard Coleman and wife Michelle of Fenton, IA, Robert Coleman of Iowa City, IA, and Gina Myers and husband Dave of New Prague, MN; 10 grandchildren; brother: Dennis Awe and wife Linda of Algona, IA; twin sister: Janice Harmon of Armstrong, IA; and sister-in-law: Robin Doyle of Fort Dodge. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Gerald C. and Ideal B. Awe; step-son: Aaron Gabriel Shrewsbury; step-daughter: Diane Carlisle; grandson: Mark Arrendondo; brother: Gerald Awe; and 2 brothers-in-law: David Doyle and Lowell Harmon.