1916 – 2014
Robert Henry Sykes, 98, of Stevensville, died December 29, 2014, at Community Hospital in Missoula.
He was born November 23, 1916, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Frank and Henrietta Sykes. Bob graduated from Lee High School in Grand Rapids and studied bookkeeping and business at Grand Rapids Junior College.
Bob married Wilma Wunsch on June 19, 1942, and they were blessed with 61 happy years together. They had five children, one son and four daughters.
Bob and Wilma served the Lord together as missionaries in Canada (Nova Scotia), Portugal, and Angola from 1951-1963. Upon return to the United States, he worked as a bookkeeper but continued to teach and preach God’s Word. He enjoyed writing Bible commentaries in simple English to be translated into different languages and used by missionaries. Bob was a faithful and devoted follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he lovingly served all his life. He lived out his faith in his daily life. He was a loving father, and a godly example to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was an encourager to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma, and his parents.
Bob is survived by his son, Philip (Kathy) Sykes of Moiese; daughters, Grace (Nate) Luibrand of Corvallis; Marilyn (Jon) Luibrand of Stevensville; Lois (Dick) Norris of Colorado Springs, CO; and Louise (Peter) Daley of Stevensville; 20 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, January 13, at Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. Military honors preceded the service. Burial took place January 6 at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville. Condolences may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.