Robert "Bob" Wales

Bob Wales, age 83, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his farm in Omaha, Missouri, doing the work he loved, taking care of the cattle.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Living Word Fellowship, 321 E. Robinson St., in Knoxville from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Living Word Fellowship, beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow at Jenkins Center, 318 E. Main St. in Knoxville. Burial will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bussey following the luncheon.  

Robert “Bob” Ward Wales was born on October 12, 1940, the son of Raymond and Mabel (Edinger) Wales. He grew up in the Bussey area with his eight siblings. He graduated from Bussey High School, class of 1959. 

Shortly after graduating Bob met the love of his life, Karen Jean Olivier at the Beacon Skating Rink and they were united in marriage on August 5, 1961. Bob and Karen were blessed with three children: Barbara, Brian, and Rhonda and lost an infant son, Mark. 

Bob was a farmer through and through. Raising cattle and working the land was not only what he did, it was a huge part of who he was. He was a great mentor to his children and grandchildren and all the young farmhands who helped over the years. Bob worked hard right alongside everyone else and was quick to praise good work and brag on a job well done. He was always encouraging and positive.  Bob was well known at the local livestock auction barns and had his longstanding number of 78 at the Knoxville Regional Livestock Market.

Farming with his family is a legacy he cherished. Working with his son and grandchildren, he taught many life lessons and made great memories. Cattle roundups have always been a fun event getting family and friends together and taking the horses to gather the cattle. His granddaughters said they may have been “negative” help while working on the farm, but both grandpa and granddaughters cherished every minute together. Grandson, Clayton, was grandpa’s right-hand man since he was a year old. They did everything together as grandpa was the perfect teacher and partner on the farm.  

In the spare time that he did have, Bob enjoyed looking for Indian rocks (Arrowheads), attending Gospel music events, and visiting with friends there too. He loved attending the Iowa State Fair. Bob’s greatest pride was his family: his wife, children, and grandchildren were his pride and joy. They will remember him as a positive role model, encouraging, always available to talk to, and a problem solver. He was passionate about spending time with his family. Bob also found great joy mentoring his grandson, Clayton: teaching him how to drive a pickup, tractors, combining, and a gooseneck trailer.

Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include his loving wife, Karen Jean; children, Barbara (Steve) Simmons of Davenport, Brian (Linda) Wales of Bussey and Rhonda (Steve) Weldon of Knoxville; grandchildren, Ashley (John) Felts, Stephanie (Ken) Fischer, Heather (Bryan) Squire, Jessica (Jake) Sears, Taylor (Ben) Knaack, Clayton Wales, Blake (Malena) Sidie, and Wade Sidie (Zachary Hayes). He is also survived by eleven great grandchildren; one sister, Vergie Hodson of West Des Moines; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by an infant son, Mark Wayne Wales; parents, Raymond and Mabel Wales; siblings, Kenneth Wales, Letha Brinkman, Leonard Wales, Esther Kooyman, Lora Newton, Ila Mae Josephs, John Wales and infant brother, Willard Wales.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though He may die, He shall live.”

                                                                                           John 11:25