Robert “Bob” David Wiles, 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on June 12, 2023.
Bob was the middle child born to Franklin David Wiles and Velma Frances Cherry in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. At the age of nine, the family moved gradually across the country, attending five schools in the 4th grade, and settling in Hawthorne, California. He graduated
from the Inglewood High School in 1952 and San Jose Bible College in 1959.
He worked and lived for a time in Phoenix, Homer, Alaska, and Yosemite National Park before meeting the love of his life, Marlene Mae Omholt at a church event in Sacramento. They married in Manteca, California on December 9, 1960. The couple lived in San Jose briefly before moving to Northern Nevada and residing in Carson City since 1974.
Bob drove commercial truck for Wells Cargo and Matheson Fast Freight. He drove anything from a box truck, single, double, and even triple trailers for 40 years before retiring at the age of 65. During this time, his travels were mostly local so he could be home with the family every evening. He enjoyed explaining how to safely operate his truck in all configurations, in every kind of weather and was proud of his perfect driving record.
While truck driving, he also was a part time minister for the Church of Christ in Reno and Carson City in the 1960’s and 70’s. He loved the Lord and had an extensive Christian book and Bible collection that was often shared with others. His other interests were all things automotive, American history and finding antique treasurers for his collection. He found great joy when sharing a meal or a cup of coffee while visiting with family and friends at various locations in Northern California and Nevada. “Life is sweet, if you don’t sour”, was a saying
Bob used on many occasions.
He had the closest of bonds with Marlene who passed away in 2018 after 57 years of marriage. His extended family at LifePoint Church in Minden, Nevada was of great and continual comfort to him.
Bob leaves behind son David (Debbie) Wiles, daughters Susan (Jim) Gunn and Kathleen (Jim)
Garfinkel, five grandchildren, sister Cherry Lee Kapell of Santa Rosa, California, nieces, nephew, and families.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Ray Wiles and wife Marlene.
Bob was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. As patriarch of the family, we will miss his wise counsel, loving prayers, interesting stories of past times and presence among family gatherings.
The family would like to express our appreciation for the loving care he received at Sierra Place Senior Living in Carson City, Nevada.
A private graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, with arrangements provided by Walton’s.