Bobby Gene Whisenhunt, 85, of Mt Ida, passed away peacefully July 26, 2016. He was born in Fredrick-Tillman Oklahoma to the late Jeff D. and Ollie Short Whisenhunt. Bobby spent his early years in the oil fields of Elk City, Oklahoma where met his bride, Joyce Hall Whisenhunt.
As an Airman First Class, Bobby served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict where he became a skilled aircraft electrician. He later worked at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City of 12 years. Later he earned his license as a Certified Realtor. After several Arkansas real estate dealings, Bobby purchased a motel and moved the family to Arkansas in 1965. The family renamed the property Shady Rest Motel.
Bobby was also very active in the community. He worked for many years as a residential and commercial electrician. A charter member of the Joplin Volunteer Fire Department, he also served as the Justice of the Peace and on the Quorum Court in Montgomery County for 4 years. Arguably the largest turkey beard collection in the state, these are trophies Bobby kept from the many wild birds he hunted. He also enjoyed deer season, catching fish, and growing vegetables.
Bobby was preceded in death by a brother, James Barney Whisenhunt.
He will be remembered by his remaining siblings, Virginia Padgett, Billy Joe Whisenhunt (Sharon), and Roy Charles Whisenhunt (Vesta) as a generous, kind brother and the fun uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. His children Susan Reuter (Dean), Kathy Kluge, and Mark Whisenhunt will miss his patient guidance; his grandchildren will remember his “thumbs up” attitude. Missing him most of all will be his partner in family and love for 63 years, his wife Joyce Whisenhunt.
A memorial service will be held at Gross Funeral Home on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 10:30 am with the Rev. Don Naftz officiating.
In lieu of lowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 1806 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71901.
Online guest book, obituary and tributes are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com
