Robert E. Wilbanks, 61

GRANGEVILLE: Retired Chief of Police of Grangeville, Robert E Wilbanks passed away Thursday February 17, 2005 at Syringa General Hospital. Robert, better known as Bob, was born December 4, 1943 to Robert H and Geraldine Wilbanks in Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Bob attended Grangeville High School then entered the United States Army in 1960 and was stationed in Germany, specializing in missiles and nuclear warheads; he was honorably discharged in 1963. He moved for a short time to the Twin Falls area where he worked in construction and plumbing. While in Twin Falls Bob married Patricia Long, they had one son Jimmy. Bob and Patricia were later divorced. Bob moved back to Grangeville and was employed by the Nez Perce National Forest Service stationed out of the Moose Creek Ranger District where he worked for 2 years. From there Bob entered into his law enforcement career where he worked for 25 years for the City of Grangeville, retiring in 1995. Bob married Kim Johnson in April of 1987 and helped her raise her 4 children, they later divorced. Bob was very proud of his kids never considering them his stepchildren. Bob’s hobbies include visiting with family and friends, telling stories, reading, shooting his guns, fishing, photography and making hot mustard.
Bob is survived by his mother, Gerry at their home in Grangeville, his three sisters and their husbands; Janice and William Waite of Boise, Nancy and Keith Smith of McCall and Michelle and Bob Forester of Boise. Three step brothers Jack Kidder and his wife Sue, Virgil Kidder and Vaughn Kidder and his wife Susan all of Oregon. His children Jimmy Wilbanks of Oregon, Adam Thomason and wife Kitty, Angie Wilbanks, Tiffany Wilbanks and Jared Andrews all of Grangeville. He also had three grandchildren that were his pride and joy; Tamra, Cordel and Cheyanne and his fourth grandchild, Trenton Robert to be born in May. Bob was very proud of his nieces and nephews; Joshua Young, Sarah Young, Brittany Marie Wilbanks, Jordan Smith all of McCall and Amber Waite of Boise.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Robert his stepfather, who he loved dearly, Jesse Kidder.
The graveside service will be held Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at the Prairie View Cemetery.

Bob touched many lives and the family would love to hear your stories at a potluck at the Eagles Hall following the services, we have a few stories to tell ourselves.