Robert L. “Bob” Whitfield was born Nov. 15, 1929, in Mangum, Oklahoma to the late L.M. and Beulah Whitfield. He passed away peacefully at home Dec. 13, 2021.
On Nov. 8, 1951, he married Jean Bennett. She preceded him in death Oct. 10, 2001. He also was preceded in death by a son, Robert Lewis, Junior; a granddaughter, K’Leigh Frances and her father, Fred Stenger; and six siblings.
He leaves to cherish his sweet memories three daughters, Karen (Bill) Slicer, Pam (Don) Rublaitus, and Kim Stenger, who lovingly cared for him in her home for the last year. Also surviving are grandchildren, Brock Rush, Lorelei (Rob) Yates, BriAnne (Sam) Riggins, Katie (Joseph) Ellison, and JonAndrew Stenger; great-grandchildren, Myles and Gracybelle Yates, Laynie and Lucas Riggins, Willow and Prym Stenger and great-grandchildren, Landen and Molly Rush. He has three remaining siblings: brother Carter Whitfield of Oklahoma, and sisters, Virginia Sparkman and Norma Jean Crawford, both of Springdale, Arkansas.
Bob retired from Southwestern Bell as a telephone lineman after 35 years of dedicated service. He loved serving others as evidenced by his many years of serving as a Boy Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, youth group leader as well as UCAN and Legacy Hospice volunteer. He enjoyed many activities including golfing, softball, bowling, and fishing. He was an avid woodworker and had recently taking up whittling. He loved to read, and he studied his Bible daily. He was a devoted Christian who quietly lived his faith out in service to God. He was a long-time member of the South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church where he faithfully attended until his health began to fail. He was respected and well-loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Willow Ridge Funeral Chapel with the funeral service following at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Keith Luke will officiate assisted by the Rev. Rick White. Burial with full military honors will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UCAN.
Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Services are honored to serve the family of Robert ‘Bob’ L. Whitfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.willowridgefcs.com.