Robert Monroe Wheeler, affectionately known as Bob to his friends and family, and “Hunka” to his adoring nieces and nephew, was born on July 8, 1957. He walked into the arms of Jesus on January 11, 2026.
From the moment he entered this world, Bob was uniquely designed by our creator and left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Despite facing challenges from birth, he possessed an unwavering love and a generally cheerful disposition.
One of his brothers-in-law aptly described Bob’s fearless nature. He rarely met anyone who didn’t become an instant friend. Bob had an extraordinary memory; he never met a stranger and never forgot a name, even after years apart or only meeting someone one time!
Bob’s love was boundless. He cherished his parents, three favorite sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephew, and all the greats. He also had a deep affection for Gena, his fiancée of over forty years, and her family. His love extended to his aunts, uncles, and cousins (all 1500 of them)!
Bob was a protector. His niece Heather shared a heartwarming story about a time when she swallowed an ice cube whole when she was around four years old. Bob promptly made her drink warm water to help melt it and shook her upside down to ensure her safety. He was always concerned about his family members, asking each time a baby was born, “Are they like me?” and being relieved to discover that they were “normal,” oblivious to the extraordinary nature of his own existence.
Bob had a passion for work, holding jobs at Arby’s and Grecian Steakhouse in Jonesboro. He was also an avid music lover and a talented singer. He would turn up the radio whenever possible and belt out his favorite songs. For many years, he sang with the Overcomers and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Bob was also an enthusiastic competitor in the Special Olympics. He had exceptional bowling skills and delighted in achieving strikes. Wrestling was another passion of his. He would travel to Memphis to watch live wrestling matches, fully immersed in the sport! It was not fake! Bob loved the Arkansas Razorbacks as well and had so much memorabilia! Bob had an unwavering love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and loved serving as an usher at church! Most recently, Bob loved going on rides with his brother-in-law, John, to look at the river and get a big Sonic Coke!
Bob is survived by his loving mother, Doris Wheeler. He is also survived by his three favorite sisters and their husbands: Sheila Drake (David)of Kingwood, Texas, Cindy Holland (John) of Forrest City, Arkansas, and Laura Wilson (Steve) of Newark, Arkansas. His fiancé, Gena, and her sisters, Kechia Bentley, Kurtiss Guntharp, and their families, as well as his nieces and nephews – Stacey Chism (Jason), Kelli McClain (Mike), Heather Harvey (Jacob), Joey Fike (Savannah), and Joshua Allen (Kesha), his great nieces and nephews – Steilee Ables (Parker), Zachary Chism (Anna), Jake Harvey, Bent McClain, Logan Harvey, Whit McClain, Cameron Ford, Stevie Joe Fike, Lilli Smith, Joe Bob Oneal Fike, Weston Allen, and Briggs Allen. He is also survived by his brother in Christ and fellow usher Jerry Henderson and his caregiver, April Weams.
Bob was preceded in death by his dad, Henry Oneal Wheeler; his grandparents, Robert and Lena Wheeler, and WM and Oma Caldwell, as well as his fiancé’s mother, Judy Wilson, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Newark Southern Baptist Church or Caldwell Family Cemetery.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 14, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Newark Southern Baptist Church. Interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at Caldwell Cemetery at 3101 Lee Road 132, Aubrey, Arkansas.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
