Robert Knowlton Beck (July 17, 1915 – January 13, 2004) was an American politician and newspaper publisher from the state of Iowa.
Beck was a veteran of World War II and served with the United States Navy on the USS South Dakota for 27 months.
His ship saw heavy action, including being buzzed by kamikaze pilots during the Philippine invasion and being struck by a bomb during one battle.
He acquired a majority interest in the newspaper in 1950 and turned it into a state and national award winner.
[citation needed] Beck died in Chariton, Iowa, on January 13, 2004.