Robert Allan Skowbo

Dr. Robert Allen Skowbo passed away peacefully at his home in Cape Girardeau, MO on October 20, 2024. Dr. Skowbo was born in Duluth, MN on February 17, 1949, the son of Stuart and Yvonne (Winn) Skowbo. Known to family, friends, and colleagues throughout his life as Bob rather than Robert, he married Carol J. (Lincoln) Skowbo in Cincinnati, OH on May 25, 1983. In earlier parts of his life, Bob lived in Berlin, NH, and then in Hamilton, OH, where he attended Hamilton Taft High School and was a member of the school's marching band. He earned Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees from Ohio State University, graduating in 1973 with a membership in the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society. After his graduation from OSU, Dr. Bob practiced optometry in Cincinnati, OH with Dr. Harry Fagedes until 1986, at which time he opened a solo practice, also in Cincinnati. A decade later, he joined Wing Eyecare, Inc., remaining in Cincinnati until 2002, when he left Ohio to join the Dr. Tavel Optical Group in Evansville, IN. His professional memberships included the American Optometric Association, the Ohio Optometric Association, and the Cincinnati Optometric Association. Dr. Bob retired in 2007, settling with his wife in her hometown of Cape Girardeau, MO. He remained an avid Ohio State University sports fan throughout his life, also following the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals in his retirement years. Having taken flying lessons at a young age, he maintained a life-long interest in aviation. Although highly regarded by his patients and coworkers for his attention to detail in eye exams, Bob's true passion was rock music. He flourished as the bass guitar player in several rock-and-roll bands that were well-known and well-liked in the Cincinnati area, particularly two groups called Twist and Wiseguy. Playing popular contemporary music mixed with classic rock, both groups drew large crowds to many local establishments. Bob was recognized as an extremely talented musician who played with a precise yet fun-loving style. As a band member, he worked hard, got along with everyone, and maintained a stylish stage presence. He also collected and restored vintage bass guitars and Fender amplifiers. Bob had a clever wit and could be hilariously funny. He will be missed by those that loved him. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Trudy Lincoln. He is survived by his wife Carol, his sister Diane Skowbo Winn (Freedom ME), and his brother James Skowbo (Austin, TX). He is also survived by sister-in-law Tamara (Larry) Koenig, brother-in-law David (Nancy) Lincoln, nieces Kara (Michael Baker) Lincoln, Molly Lincoln, nephews Andrew (Caitlin) Koenig, Austin (Taylor) Koenig and great-nephew James Lincoln Baker. A private celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice in Bob's name.