Memorial contributions are suggested to Fayette First Christian Church or Fayette Food Pantry in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.

Lifelong resident Robert Wilhoit Jr., age 89, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022 at The Lodge in Fayette. He was born July 7, 1933 at Lee Hospital, the son of the late Robert S. and Ona Bell (Potter) Wilhoit. Bobby married the love of his life, Edris Wilkerson, on October 19, 1958 at the Fayette First Christian Church. Bobby was a 1951 graduate of Fayette High School and then enrolled at the University of Missouri – Columbia until he was drafted in the Army. After a medical discharge in 1953, he joined his father’s business assuming responsibility of farm fuel deliveries and later started his own business, Bob Wilhoit & Son LP Gas delivering propane to many homes in Howard County. For 19 years, he drove a school bus for the Fayette school district. In 1973, Bobby and Edris purchased the business from his father where they worked side by side until retiring in 1998. In retirement, he enjoyed spending more time on the farm with his cattle, spending time with his family and friends and volunteering at the Fayette Food Pantry for 20 years. At the time of his death, he was the oldest male lifelong member of Fayette First Christian Church where he had served as a deacon, property chairman for many years and drove youth groups on outings. Bobby, who was known for his stories, loved his community and never met a stranger.

Survivors include his wife Edris of the home; his children James (Jamie) Wilhoit of Fayette and Janet (Robbie) Morris of O’Fallon, MO; five grandchildren Dana (Jeff) Ermann of Centerville, OH, Kristi (Kevin) Garland of Troy, MO, Chris (Dana) Wilhoit of Fayette, Kelsey (Clayton) Owens of Cottleville, MO and Angela (Glen) Conrow of Glasgow, MO and eleven great grandchildren Lilye, Jacob, McKinley, Eleanor, Maverick, Easton, Raelynn, Rhett, Olive, Katelynn and Madilynn.

Visitation will be from 12-2 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at First Christian Church in Fayette followed by a celebration of life service at 2 pm. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Fayette First Christian Church or Fayette Food Pantry in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.