Robert "Bob" Wakefield

Robert "Bob" Wakefield, 91, Palestine, died Monday, September 26, 2022, at Arbor Rose in Robinson.

He was born November 1, 1930, in Evansville, IN, the son of Sam and Opal Wakefield.

A 1948 graduate of Palestine High School, Bob served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the Korean War from 1951-1953. He returned home to work at Palestine Lumber Yard, and in 1954 went to work at Marathon Refinery, retiring in 1986 after 32 years of service.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ila (Clements) Wakefield; daughter, Patty Neff; son, David (Pam) Wakefield; grandchildren, Michael "Mike" (Michelle) Neff, Lucas Wakefield, and Allie Wakefield; great-grandchildren, Claire Neff and Gauge Neff; sister, Ola Gwen McDaniel; and beloved nieces and nephews. His family would like to acknowledge his Arbor Rose family who lovingly cared for "Bob-O".

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack Wakefield and Duane Wakefield, sisters, Mildred White and Helen Jean Smith, daughter-in-law, Karen Wakefield, and son-in-law, Cecil Neff.

Bob served as an elder for many years at the First Christian Church of Palestine. He was appointed as one of the first commissioners when the Robinson-Palestine Water Commission was formed.

Bob's most enjoyable work was helping others. He delighted in sharing garden produce, lending a hand to neighbors, and being available to sit with families at hospitals.

He remained a kid at heart. At age 36, Bob was Rookie of the Year on his men's softball team. His grandchildren loved that he was still riding carnival rides with them on Labor Day Weekend at age 87.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 1, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be on Sunday, October 2, at 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Paul Gray officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in Palestine Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to the organization of the donor's choice.