Robert "Bob" Allen Wilson

Robert Allen Wilson known as “Bob”, beloved husband, dad, and grandpa was born on October 6,1943 to Claude and Evelyn (Petersen) Wilson in Plainfield, New Jersey. He peacefully departed this life on April 2, 2025, reaching the age of 81 years. At age nine, he moved with his parents by train to Independence, KS. A couple years later, his stepfather William Donald “Don” Etter came into his life and became a loving father to him and his brother, Richard. He lived and worked on the family farm until age seventeen. After graduating from Independence High School, he enlisted in the Navy, serving three years during the Vietnam conflict. In 1968 Bob met me, Doris Ratzlaff, and we were married on August 10, 1968, at Independence, KS. We shared a little over 56 years together. Our son Eric was born March 6, 1975, and our daughter Jennifer on September 20, 1978. In 1978, Dad started feeling the need to make a change in his life. In 1979, on Easter Sunday, he started attending church at the Emmanuel Congregation, Fredonia, KS. God answered the sincere cry of his heart and forgave his sins. On March 23, 1980, at the age of 36, he was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite by Minister Milton Koehn. Having found what his heart longed for, he never looked back, remaining faithful to the end. He often expressed a deep appreciation for what God had done for him and the privilege of belonging to the Church. Dad worked in various jobs throughout his life, including fabrication work, tire shop, butcher, chicken farmer, and at Walmart in the warehouse. In June of 1986, we moved to a chicken farm near the newly formed congregation at Gentry, AR. The chicken farm turned out to be a trial by fire, testing his and our patience. Although those were difficult years, Dad was a hard worker and always provided enough. He retired in 2010 after which he enjoyed doing a little woodworking, and most of all, traveling to visit his many friends and family. Dad was a person who loved tradition, which included him grilling hamburgers every Saturday evening. Family gatherings and holiday times were special to him. Bob never met a stranger, and he had a special way of making friends easily. His gift of gab and sense of humor connected him with many people from all walks of life, both young and old, winning him many long lasting and loving friendships. Bob had a straightforward way of communicating. He believed in “telling it like it is”. Although he could seem blunt at times, you knew where you stood with him and could feel his heart of love and concern. His colorful personality often left a lasting impression on those he met. In April of 2024, due to declining health, we moved Dad to Apple Creek Health and Rehab in Centerton, AR where he spent the remainder of his days. Life was not always easy for Dad. He faced many challenges, but through it all he never let go of his determination to be saved no matter what. We look forward to seeing him again on the other side. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Doris; one son, Eric and Michelle Wilson of Gentry, AR; one daughter, Jennifer and Jeff Jantz of Chickasha, OK; grandchildren, Kyler and wife Annette, Jacy and husband Grant, Audrey, Jera, Rylan, Jolie, Landon, Jaron, and Abby. One brother, Richard and Jane Wilson, of Independence, KS. Two sisters-in-law, Alverta Ratzlaff of Moundridge, KS and Karen Ratzlaff of Newton, KS, special nieces and nephews, and numerous close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two brothers-in law, and two sisters-in-law. A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Church of God in Christ in Gentry, Arkansas. A funeral service is schedule for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Church of God in Christ, 10798 Bloomfield Rd., Gentry, Arkansas, with a committal service to follow at Gentry Mennonite Cemetery.

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Robert "Bob" Allen Wilson

October 6, 1943 - April 2, 2025