Bobby Dean Wheat

Bobby Dean (Bob) Wheat, a cherished man known for his kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality, left us on June 9th2026 at the age of 89. Born on August 31, 1936, in Alva Oklahoma. Bob lived a life filled with tremendous passion, fun and love for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Patty McCall Wheat, his daughters Cindy Darling and Karen Wilke. His daughter Valerie Arient preceded him in death. He was blessed with 6 grandsons, Nicholas, Justin, Andy, Matthew, Cody, and Jesse and 7 great grandchildren, Claytan, Hagan, Brandon, Valerie, Ashley, Braxton and Gatlin. He’s also survived by his stepson Justin and wife Barbara and step Grandchildren Cassie and Colby. Stepson Allen who has passed and his children Karly and Aaron. He is also survived by his sister Bonnie Dickey. His other sister Margarie Sneethen preceded him in death. Bob’s beloved Mother Ruby Baxter and his father George Wheat also preceded him in death.

Bob also filled in as Grampa to many of his Grandson’s friends who also called him Grampa. All our lives were greatly enriched by Bob's presence. He was the funniest, the biggest prankster and made every camping, hunting and get together so much fun. His departure leaves an unfillable void in our lives. We will all miss that forever. We will find comfort in the memories and everlasting love that we shared.

We also want to thank Dad’s dear friend and neighbor Harlan who was so helpful and a great friend to Dad and James who was also very helpful to my Dad. Also thank you to Wayne who took Bob and Cindy on their last 2 fishing trips together not long before his passing.

Bob’s parents left Oklahoma moving to Oregon during the Dust Bowl. They arrived in Oregon on the day he turned one year old. He lived in Lane County for the rest of his life.

Bob married very young (17 years old). His first daughter Cindy was born when he was 19. Valerie was born when he was 20 and Karen was born when he was 21. So at the young age of 21 he was the father of three daughters.

He started out working at General Trailer, then Carothers Sheet Metal and then Clarke’s Sheetmetal where he was the field foreman. He would always watch the guy do the job that he wanted, to learn what to do. One of Bob's most commendable accomplishments was starting Wheat Sheet Metal at his farm in Creswell in 1980. He later started B & R Sheet Metal with his partner Randy Sheppard in Eugene Oregon a few years later. They had a very successful business, working all over the United States. B & R was definitely one of his children. He absolutely loved his work and his business. He reluctantly retired and sold his share of his business to his partner in 2015 at the age of 79. He visited his old stomping grounds often.

Bob was an avid hunter, fisherman, huge dog lover, vintage car restorer, drift boat builder and beekeeper. Anything that interested him he would grab on and build it.

Bob Wheat, father, husband, hero brother, grampa, outdoorsman and businessman was a beacon of kindness and love for his family and will forever reside in our hearts. His legacy, exemplified by hard work and making life as fun as possible, will continue to inspire and guide us. As we struggle with the loss of his physical presence, we find solace in knowing that his spirit lives on through his love of family that he instilled in us.

His service will be held at the Bethany Church 92078 Territorial Hwy. Junction City, OR at 4:00 on Sunday, June 28th. A supper will be held across the street from the church at the Franklin Community Center after the service.