Robert Allen Maddocks

Article Last Updated; Friday, July 03, 2009 8:14AM

Robert Allen MaddocksFormer Durango resident Robert Allen Maddocks died of a heart attack at his home in Tucson, Ariz., on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009. He was 75.

Mr. Maddocks was born to Clarence and Helen Maddocks in Missouri Valley, Iowa, on Dec. 25, 1933.

He graduated from Mason City High School in Iowa and earned both his bachelor's and law degrees from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

At Drake, Mr. Maddocks was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and lettered in varsity track.

On June 2, 1956, he married Jo Ann Skaggs in Mason City.

Mr. Maddocks was a member of the American Bar Association and was the Wright County district attorney in Clarion, Iowa. He also served as the general counsel to the Massey Ferguson Co. in Des Moines and was licensed to practice law in a number of states.

During the final 20 years of his career, he was vice president, general counsel and secretary for Kellwood Corp. in St. Louis.

His family said that he helped steer the corporation to a position of prominence and innovation in international trade.

Mr. Maddocks was given the "Double D Award" from his alma mater, and in 2008, he was named one of the 50 most influential graduates of Drake Law School. He served on the university's board of trustees from 1988 to 1994.

Mr. Maddocks showed, bred and hunted Gordon setters and loved dogs of all breeds.

He enjoyed the solitude of a cabin or fishing stream.

His family said his greatest enjoyment came from working hard and then relaxing by hunting pheasant and quail, playing tennis, going on canoe trips, fishing, first-class travel, and watching college and professional football.

Mr. and Mrs. Maddocks lived in Durango from 1996 to 2005.

Their family said they enjoyed fishing at Vallecito and Lemon reservoirs and sitting on their deck next to the Florida River enjoying cocktails.

"Bob constantly questioned the status quo, and loved open dialogue and honest debate," his family wrote.

Mr. Maddocks was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Jo Ann Maddocks, in 2006.

He is survived by his daughters Susan Maddocks of Los Angeles and Amy Willow of Reno, Nev.; son, Todd Maddocks, of Dallas; brother, Lee Maddocks, of Sarasota, Fla.; sister, Jean Morrison, of Lincoln, Neb.; companion, Camille Karam, of Tucson; and six grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.