Nov. 1958 – Oct. 2021
Robert Leon Willbanks passed away unexpectedly at home on October 18, 2021. Robert was born in Lindsey, CA on November 3, 1958 to his parents Creighton (Leon) and Patricia (Pat) Willbanks. In his younger years he lived in Lindsey, Porterville, Walnut Grove, Salida, Modesto and finally settling down in Turlock.
Robert graduated from Denair High School in 1977. In 1979 he met his future wife, Patty Winters, through his cousin Laura Barker. A few years later they started dating and were married on September 18, 1982 and had just celebrated their 39th anniversary.
In 1985 they had their one and only daughter, Jennifer, and in 1989 they had their one and only son Robert (Bobby) II. Robert was very proud of both of his children and all that they have accomplished. He was also very proud of his four grandchildren, the “quads” as we lovingly called them, Papa’s little buddies.
Robert and Patty loved traveling and took many trips to Oregon, Mexico, Arizona, Vegas, Idaho and Wyoming. He loved going to Vegas, Reno and the casinos.
Robert loved being a truck driver and used to say that he had diesel in his veins. He started driving at Diamond Hay then for Tommy Cipponeri, Roger’s Motor Express, B & B Trucking, Smart Refrigerated Transport for 26 years and for the last six years for Sherwin Williams out of Reno, Nevada. He had many trucking friends through the years.
Robert leaves behind his loving wife Patty (Winters) Willbanks; children Jennifer Willbanks of Ceres and Bobby (Christie) Willbanks of Stevinson; his four grandchildren also of Stevinson; his mother Patricia (Pat) Willbanks; sister Joyce (Phil) Crabtree all of Turlock; one aunt; one uncle; several nieces and nephews and many close cousins and friends who he loved with all his heart.
He was preceded to heaven by his father Creighton Leon Willbanks, grandparents, and many aunts/uncles, cousins and close friends.
Viewing will be on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 5:00-7:00p.m. at Allen Mortuary. Funeral will also be at Allen Mortuary on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 1:00p.m. with interment to follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.
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Tammy Stephenson says
October 27, 2021 at 1:11 amI am so sorry for your loss Patty, Jennifer and little Bobby. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have all shared. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all
Sandy and Charles Iacono says
October 25, 2021 at 1:07 amPatty, Joyce, Jennifer and Little Bobby and family,
Our hearts are broken at the thought of life without Bobby. He has always been a wonderful nephew who was a kind and loving person to all he knew. We will miss his calls just to check up on us. He always closed his conversations with “I Love You” and we knew he truly meant it. He had such a difficult time dealing with his recent illness and even though he had so many problems he had to deal with he never complained about those. He just wanted to be better in order to get back to driving truck and supporting his family. He loved you all so very much and was so proud of his kids and grandchildren. Although it is so hard to think about life without him we are comforted by knowing he is no longer in pain. Love to all of you, Aunt Sandy and Uncle Charles
Stan Gustafson says
October 24, 2021 at 2:37 pmDear Patty: I was both shocked and saddened when I learned of Robert’s passing. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. Praying for comfort and strength and understanding for you and your family during this very trying time.
Savannah Olvera says
October 22, 2021 at 10:49 pmSee you on fridee! Love you little patty and Jen