Bobby Truel (Bob) Qualls entered his heavenly home on January 19, 2025, surrounded by family. Bob was born to the Reverend Cecil and Lue Ellen (nee Gunter) Qualls on December 8, 1937, in Borger Texas. The family later moved to West Plains, Missouri, where he had the joy of being raised on a farm. Bob graduated from West Plains High School where he played football and in 1955, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Scott Air Force Base. Here he met the love of his life, Bernice Depper from Belleville, Illinois. Bob and Bernice were married on December 5, 1958, and went on to raise two wonderful children, Barbie and Kenny.
While in the Air Force, Bob worked on the flight line and had his taxi license. He would drive the F-86 Sabre jets to the hangers, which was a great thrill. Bob was proud to be a veteran and loved his country. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Bob worked as an auto mechanic, did auto bodywork and painting, and was fortunate to own several shops. Bob was an amazing mechanic and built a drag racing car that was the national record holder in 1965 -1966. In addition, Bob was a talented artist, and several vehicles he painted were featured in Hot Rod magazine.
Some of the most joyful years of Bob and Bernice’s lives were retirement at Cricket Creek on Table Rock Lake. Bob and Bernice loved lake life and Bob especially loved crappie fishing and just enjoying God’s beauty in the outdoors. He served as a deacon at Lakeland Baptist Church in Omaha, Arkansas for many years. After moving to Arnold, Missouri he was a faithful member at First Baptist Church Arnold. Bob greatly loved his family and he loved Jesus tremendously. He knew Christ as his personal savior and his family is content knowing he now resides in Heaven. Bob was quick to witness to others and wanted everyone to know and love Jesus. He was known for being a kind man and loved to make others laugh. He will be vastly missed by all who knew him and his family will never take for granted how blessed they were to call him their own.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Beatrice, his brother Billie Joe, and many good friends and other family members. Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bernice Qualls; his daughter Barbie (Cliff) Crook and his son Kenny (Donna) Qualls; his grandchildren, Danni (Kevin) Best, Hoss Nipper, Dustin (Emily) Qualls, and Lauren Qualls; his great-grandchildren, Mack (Savanna) Best, Beau Nipper, Eli Best, Lucas Nipper, Rory Best, and Daisy Nipper; and many other family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Services: A Memorial Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Arnold (2012 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010) on Saturday January, 25th at 10:30am until the time of the Celebration of Life Service at 1pm. A private burial will take place at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to First Baptist Church Arnold appreciated.
A Service of Kutis South County Chapel
When Bob and Bernice came to church, Kenny and I immediately were drawn to them. Bob was so funny and we so enjoyed fellowshipping with them. Bob and Bernice were members of my small group class and Bob would comment about the verses. Everyone enjoyed his contribution to the class. A wonderful Christian man, he will be greatly missed!
Mr. and Mrs. Qualls always sat with my mom after their Bible studies were over, waiting for their perspective children ( Pastor Kenny ) and my Mom waiting for me. They were always so nice and friendly with my mom even though she didn’t necessarily understand them. She enjoyed the company.They were always smiling. I know that he will be missed by my mom and so many others .
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thank the Lord that Mr. Qualls accepted Him as his Savior! We know that God is with you all through this time. We are praying for you and love you.
Crossroads Missionary Baptist church in Horine is praying for the Qualls Family we will lift the Qualls Family every day