Robert Derry "Bob" Wakeland

Robert “Bob” Derry Wakeland of Sulphur passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Wheatland, WY on November 26, 1932. He graduated from high school in Scott City, KS where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He was a veteran who proudly served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.

Bob graduated from Fort Hayes State in Hayes, KS with a double major in Math/Chemistry while working full time as a butcher for Dillon’s Grocery. After graduation he went to work as a chemist for Continental Oil Co., later Conoco, in Ponca City, OK. He transferred to the Lake Charles Refinery and eventually worked in the Personnel Department. He then transferred to Billings, MT as Personnel Director coming back to Lake Charles as Supervisor of Labor Relations. He retired in 1992 after 32 years of service.

After his retirement, Bob volunteered at Care Help of Sulphur for several years. He also enjoyed golf, traveling, panning for gold, metal detecting and gardening – having received the “Garden of the Month” award twice for his yard.

Bob was a “people” person, never meeting a stranger. He was a jokester and a teaser, especially to his granddaughter, whom he loved dearly. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn “Janie Janie", daughters, Charisse Wakeland and Michelle Bolen, beloved granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn and grand-dog, Sophie Sue, who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Helen Wakeland and siblings Bill, Pete and Frances.

Visitation will be held at Hixon Funeral Home in Sulphur on March 21, 2017 from 4 – 6 p.m. followed by a short memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Mission Board, Richmond, VA, Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA, the Methodist Children’s Home in Sulphur, LA or favorite charity.