Willhoite, Robert B. 1910-2004

WILLHOITE, HAYNES, SAMUELSON, FOSTER, BAKER, LASCHE, STELTING, TESSER, PFEIFFER, BERG

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:28

Robert B. Willhoite

Birth: Oct. 15, 1910
Indiana, USA
Death: Jul. 17, 2004
Kansas, USA

Wichita Eagle, The (KS) - July 19, 2004

AUGUSTA - Willhoite, Robert B., 93, son of Alberta Minona (Haynes) and Samuel Arthur Willhoite, born October 10, 1910, in Indianapolis, Indiana, went peacefully and with joy to be with his Lord on July 17, 2004. He was a man of deep personal faith and a gentle spirit. He loved and was proud of his family. He enjoyed cherished friendships with other residents at Cottonwood Point in Augusta, Kansas. Bob Willhoite served American Baptist Churches in South Dakota, Kansas and Iowa. For five years in the mid 1950's he was Director of an inner city mission project in Dayton, Ohio during the tense time at the beginning of the struggle for equal rights. At one point a group of people burned a cross in the family's front yard. That experience strengthened his commitment to justice for all. Bob was a builder. In every church he served he had a strong commitment to improving and building dynamic children's ministri es. He believed deeply that an investment in children and a Christian educatio n secured the future for the church. In many of the churches he served he guided campaigns for constructing new church buildings or the renovation and restoration of older buildings. In the communities he lived he often was involved with community projects such as raising money for a swimming pool or bringing together a group of local leaders to build a nursing care facility. After retirement from active ministry, Bob served as an interim Pastor in many American Baptist Churches in Kansas and Iowa. His last professional position was that of Chaplain at Valley of Hope Rehabilitation Center in Augusta, Kansas. This program was dear to his heart. During the late 30's, while serving a church in Mobridge, South Dakota, Bob met the love of his life, Irene Eleanor Samuelson. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on May 22, 1939. Bob and Irene were married 63 years until Irene preceded him in death in 2002.

He is survived by his three children, Marianne (Arthur) Foster of Lenexa, Kansas; Charles A. (Cheryl) Willhoite of Newton, Kansas; Alice J. Willhoite of Dallas, Texas. He leaves 5 beloved grandchildren and their families; Julie and Todd Baker and son Luke of Overland Park, KS; Megan and Brian Lasche and their sons Tyler, Drew, Jonathan and Jason of Overland Park, KS; David and Kimberly Stelting and their daughters Taylor, Kendall and Logan of Olathe, Ks; Tracy and Suzanne Willhoite and their sons Connor and Christop her of Valley Falls, KS; Tara Willhoite and her daughter Briana of Hutchinson, KS. He also leaves his sister, Wanda Tesser (John) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and two cousins, FernAdele Pfeiffer and Lucille Berg of Seattle, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the First Baptist Church, 1501 State St, Augusta, KS 67010 or the charity of your choice. Please designate in memory of Robert B. Willhoite. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at the First Baptist Church, Kelly and State Street, Augusta, KS. Hillside Funeral Home of Augusta-775-3777

Family links:
Spouse:
Irene Eleanor Samuelson. Willhoite (1908 - 2002)

Children:
Charles A. Willhoite (1942 - 2012)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial: Elmwood Cemetery Augusta
Butler County Kansas, USA

Created by: Judy Mayfield
Record added: Mar 08, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 49416516 ~ Find A Grave.