Robert E. Miley, 49, of Mason City, passed away unexpectedly on November 10, 2025. His family finds comfort
in knowing he is fishing the greatest streams of all, catching the biggest heavenly fish alongside his brother.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2025 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel,
126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, with Rev. Robert Emery and Deacon Regan Banks of New Bethel Mission
Baptist Church in Manly, IA officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. at the funeral home and continue until the
service.
Robert Earl was born December 18, 1975 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Ruby (Hinton) Woodson and her
husband, James Woodson. He grew up in a busy, faith-filled home and attended Normandy High School where
he played football, kicked around in kickboxing, and discovered how much he loved being outdoors. Fishing
became his lifelong signature. On holidays and special occasions, someone would say, “Where’s Robert?” and
sure enough, he would come strolling up the road hours later with a string of fresh fish, grinning and ready to
share.
His faith guided him from the beginning, and his work ethic followed close behind. Soon after school, Robert
brought his love of cooking into the restaurant world, working in kitchens across St. Louis before moving to Cedar
Rapids in pursuit of his education. He was blessed with his first two children, Robert Jr. and Olivia, before life
eventually led him to North Iowa. Here he welcomed three more children, Thomas, Mary, and Jasmine, and built
a life rooted in family, community, and purpose.
In Mason City he worked at Smithfield, Hy-Vee, and Cargill, but the job that lit him up most was his time in the
kitchen at the Historic Park Inn Hotel. It was a place where he could experiment, create, and help shape a menu
he was genuinely proud of.
Community was the heartbeat of Robert’s life. He believed every person deserved a chance at a bright future. If a
kid needed a coach, he stepped up. If someone needed a ride, he made room. If a team needed jerseys or
equipment, he found a way. Kids knew they could count on him for a joke, a smile, or a little guidance. Adults
knew they could trust him for honesty, humor, and a reminder that life is still good. He was generous,
compassionate, and often a bit stubborn about asking for help himself. When something mattered to him, he
committed fully. Mentoring came naturally, and his talent for seeing the positive in every situation made him a
steady presence for countless people.
He enjoyed time spent working on the green Cutlass with his friend Ty, and time spent with Darnell always lifted
his spirits. Fishing trips, whether local or all the way to Lake Michigan, brought in big catches and even bigger
smiles.
Recently Robert was back in school, working hard to grow his knowledge of business. Miley Apparel had become
a source of pride for him. Designing memorial shirts, children’s clothing, and custom pieces allowed him to pour
his creativity and heart into something that felt meaningful. He was excited for where it could lead.
Robert loved the St. Louis Cardinals, cheered loudly for the Chicago Bears, and enjoyed watching the Blues on
the ice. He was even getting back into playing football himself, joining the local Bucks and loving every minute of
it.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Robert Miley Jr. of Cedar Rapids, Olivia Miley, Thomas Miley,
Mary Miley, and Jasmine Netermeyer; his siblings, Ruby Welch, Joice Thomas, Daisy Thomas, Deborah
Urbanek, Tex Miley, Kimberly Miley, and Janice Burley; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and
countless friends, neighbors, and young people whose lives he brightened.
Welcoming him into Heaven are his mother and stepfather, Ruby and James Woodson; his brothers, David
Thomas Jr. and Patrick Miley Jr.; his sister, Viola Williams; and many loved ones who went before him.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA. 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com
