Robert “Bob” William Willesden II, 75, passed away April 25, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born July 9, 1947, in Queens, New York, to Robert William Willesden and Lillian Elizabeth (Alger) Willesden. He married Dianne (Dolezal) Ewing June 23, 1979, in Great Bend.
A longtime Great Bend resident, Bob retired as a Lt. Disciplinarian Administrator in 2014, after 28 faithful years of service, at Larned Correctional Facility. Previously, he had been employed as a machinist and welder for 11 years in the oilfield industry, and through the course of many years, he demonstrated his skill as a horse farrier. Bob was a member of Faith Community Church, was a motorcycle enthusiast and avid gun collector, enjoyed four-wheeling, and enjoyed watching western and action movies, as well as the History Channel, Tucker Carlson Tonight, and other current political news.
Survivors include, his wife, Dianne Willesden of the home; two sons, Robert W. Willesden III, and wife Debbie of Hoisington and Brian Ewing of Great Bend; three daughters, Tiffany Nily and husband David of Great Bend, Aimee Farris and husband Bill of East Troy, Wisc. And Brandy Gaddis and husband Mark of Wichita; a brother, George Gorsline Jr. and wife Debbie of Gulfport, Miss.; two sisters, Edith Barton of Topeka and Joyce Burnham and husband Mike of Great Bend; a sister in law, Evyonne Willesden of Fort Worth, Tex.; sixteen grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Willesden; his mother and step father, Lillian and George Gorsline; and a brother, Joseph Willesden.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2023, at Faith Community Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Sandy Kennedy presiding. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
Memorials have been designated to Faith Community Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.