Robert “Bob” L. Wilhite, 54, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, December 25, 2021. Beloved son of Marilyn S. and the late Robert S. Wilhite. Bob is survived by his brothers Michael (Jennifer) and Jeffrey (Kathleen) Wilhite. Proud uncle of Michael (deceased), Mark, Brian, Jason, Kevin and Abigail Wilhite. Treasured son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, teacher and mentor to so many.
Bob worked for the Rockwood School District for 26 years, serving as the Instrumental Music Instructor and Band Director at Crestview Middle School.
Bob had a passion for live music, playing in a number of bands over the years including Paint the Earth, Bored of Education, and most recently Big Rain and Scarecrow Joe. When he wasn’t playing, he could be found supporting other musicians around St. Louis.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29 from 4 – 9 pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis. Due to ongoing Covid concerns, the family is requesting that all who attend wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to two organizations that Bob passionately supported: the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Alzheimer’s Association.
Sincerest condolences for this tragic and devastating loss. Bob was my best friend for 21 years.
Had more great times with Bob more than anyone over this past 21 years….
Yet what completed and made Bob the very rare person in my life that any of us are lucky to have 1-2 of these people….
Bob was the first person reached out to with any of life’s challenges, dilemma’s, and adversity…no matter how small or large. 24/7/365. Bob was always haste for me and always made things better.
Besides our incredible close friendship every day for 21 years…Bob and o shared sone similar life’s road situations…and we found that additionally comforting to have easy other as in addition to above and being best friends…we had added treasure of “we knew what each other was feeling/thinking/gone through/what was needed…how and when.
I am crushed that My best Friend Bob will know longer be here….
But most of all I and devastated and saddened for Bob….he truly was at the best and most complete and balanced time on his life and foundational foe the rest of his life….retiring at 54 in May…from an incredible serving and giving band teacher at the same school for 27 years….true complete soulmate in Shelly ….
Bob was the happiest and most complete i’d ever seen/known him in 21 years….and set to be that and more for 30+ years.
For Bob. that is what is most devastating abs saddening to me…
I will and pray the family and all those hundreds who knew and likely close to Bob….will grow to be at peace that God’s plan was for Bob to be with him now and trust Bob is at peace and that we will all meet again with Bob with Gos one day….
Thank you for being you Bob…all
of you!
All my love and all my life….
Randy Baker
Sincerest condolences for this tragic and devastating loss. Bob was my best friend for 21 years.
Had more great times with Bob more than anyone over this past 21 years….
Yet what completed and made Bob the very rare person in my life that any of us are lucky to have 1-2 of these people….
Bob was the first person reached out to with any of life’s challenges, dilemma’s, and adversity…no matter how small or large. 24/7/365. Bob was always haste for me and always made things better.
Besides our incredible close friendship every day for 21 years…Bob and o shared sone similar life’s road situations…and we found that additionally comforting to have easy other as in addition to above and being best friends…we had added treasure of “we knew what each other was feeling/thinking/gone through/what was needed…how and when.
I am crushed that My best Friend Bob will know longer be here….
But most of all I and devastated and saddened for Bob….he truly was at the best and most complete and balanced time on his life and foundational foe the rest of his life….retiring at 54 in May…from an incredible serving and giving band teacher at the same school for 27 years….true complete soulmate in Shelly ….
Bob was the happiest and most complete i’d ever seen/known him in 21 years….and set to be that and more for 30+ years.
For Bob. that is what is most devastating abs saddening to me…
I will and pray the family and all those hundreds who knew and likely close to Bob….will grow to be at peace that God’s plan was for Bob to be with him now and trust Bob is at peace and that we will all meet again with Bob with Gos one day….
Thank you for being you Bob…all
of you!
All my love and all my life….
Randy Baker
So sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you and take away your pain.
Much Love,
Terry Burgess
So sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you and take away your pain.
Much Love,
Terry Burgess
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. What a stellar individual. He was always uplifting and encouraging every time I was with him. Especially at All Suburban Band events.
Bob was also unbelievably supportive of our Parkway Faculty and Friends Big Band scholarship concerts. He let us perform at Sky Lounge gratis and would often make a donation to boot.
I will miss his smile and his laugh. It always felt good to be around him.
My sincere condolences to family and friends.
RIP Bob.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. What a stellar individual. He was always uplifting and encouraging every time I was with him. Especially at All Suburban Band events.
Bob was also unbelievably supportive of our Parkway Faculty and Friends Big Band scholarship concerts. He let us perform at Sky Lounge gratis and would often make a donation to boot.
I will miss his smile and his laugh. It always felt good to be around him.
My sincere condolences to family and friends.
RIP Bob.
I met Bob in college and he recruited me to join his band Ground Zero, which later became Paint the Earth. We shared an apartment during the early 90s and had a blast. Bob was a good friend, and a great person. My condolences to family and friends.
I met Bob in college and he recruited me to join his band Ground Zero, which later became Paint the Earth. We shared an apartment during the early 90s and had a blast. Bob was a good friend, and a great person. My condolences to family and friends.
To the Wilhite family I am at a loss for words to tell you how sad I am for the loss of Bobby . Our thoughts and prayers are with you . We don’t always understand why loved ones are taken from us so soon . I know God had a plan for Bobby and he accomplished that so beautifully through his music and teaching . He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him .
To the Wilhite family I am at a loss for words to tell you how sad I am for the loss of Bobby . Our thoughts and prayers are with you . We don’t always understand why loved ones are taken from us so soon . I know God had a plan for Bobby and he accomplished that so beautifully through his music and teaching . He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him .
I only knew Bob from watching him play with Paint The Earth. The few times I sat and talked with him during intermission he would always remember our last conversation and pick up where we left off. He was an extremely talented musician and gentleman that I had the honor of watching play dozens of times. St. Louis is a little quieter now. R.I.P.
I only knew Bob from watching him play with Paint The Earth. The few times I sat and talked with him during intermission he would always remember our last conversation and pick up where we left off. He was an extremely talented musician and gentleman that I had the honor of watching play dozens of times. St. Louis is a little quieter now. R.I.P.
You were a great and talented person…God Bless and God Speed to Heaven with You and Yours….
Sincerely,
Frankie Fontana and Friends
You were a great and talented person…God Bless and God Speed to Heaven with You and Yours….
Sincerely,
Frankie Fontana and Friends
Bob was one of the most influential teachers (2007-2010) I had in my entire time at Rockwood. It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to connect with him, but I know in that time he has only done the same for hundreds of other students. As my first Band director, Bob lit a passion for music that still continues to be the best part of school for me. That passion lead to many other positive experiences in in my life which has ultimately helped me be the person I am today. I am so lucky to have a teacher like Bob who cared about all his students and made the class room a fun and memorable place place. I am more thankful than ever to have had Bob in my life as an educator and role model and wish him and his family peace in this hard time.
Bob was one of the most influential teachers (2007-2010) I had in my entire time at Rockwood. It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to connect with him, but I know in that time he has only done the same for hundreds of other students. As my first Band director, Bob lit a passion for music that still continues to be the best part of school for me. That passion lead to many other positive experiences in in my life which has ultimately helped me be the person I am today. I am so lucky to have a teacher like Bob who cared about all his students and made the class room a fun and memorable place place. I am more thankful than ever to have had Bob in my life as an educator and role model and wish him and his family peace in this hard time.
Our deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful man who was a gift to many. This just should not have happened. Our prayers are with you all!
With kindest regards,
Janet Tucker and Vince Martin
Our deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful man who was a gift to many. This just should not have happened. Our prayers are with you all!
With kindest regards,
Janet Tucker and Vince Martin
Catherine’s Nutritional Services Staff will be praying for
family strength to get through this storm.
Catherine’s Nutritional Services Staff will be praying for
family strength to get through this storm.
First saw him in the 90’s with Paint The Earth, a mesmerizing guitar player. Not sure how or why I recognized him (from afar) decades later at Sky. Pure charisma and talent I suppose. He just made a lasting impression. I cannot imagine the impression he made on those that actually knew Bob. May those memories sustain you forever. God Bless
First saw him in the 90’s with Paint The Earth, a mesmerizing guitar player. Not sure how or why I recognized him (from afar) decades later at Sky. Pure charisma and talent I suppose. He just made a lasting impression. I cannot imagine the impression he made on those that actually knew Bob. May those memories sustain you forever. God Bless
My heart aches for his family, friends, fans, teachers and students. I am shocked an saddened by his loss. I have been a fan, supporter and follower for over 25 years. I have great memories of hanging out during performance nights and buying rounds of drinks for all of us. Even borrowed his microphone with BigRain Band when he was off stage once and sang in his place. He just laughed at me and smiled. He was really a great guy. He will never be forgotten and I will cherish the memories.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
My heart aches for his family, friends, fans, teachers and students. I am shocked an saddened by his loss. I have been a fan, supporter and follower for over 25 years. I have great memories of hanging out during performance nights and buying rounds of drinks for all of us. Even borrowed his microphone with BigRain Band when he was off stage once and sang in his place. He just laughed at me and smiled. He was really a great guy. He will never be forgotten and I will cherish the memories.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was one of Mr. Wilhite’s students at crestview some years back, he is the reason I have chosen to pursue music as a career. He touched the lives of countless students with his vast knowledge of music, and constant attitude of patience. His beaming grin never failed to brighten students days.
This is a final thanks on behalf of all of his students, for positively impacting our lives.
I was one of Mr. Wilhite’s students at crestview some years back, he is the reason I have chosen to pursue music as a career. He touched the lives of countless students with his vast knowledge of music, and constant attitude of patience. His beaming grin never failed to brighten students days.
This is a final thanks on behalf of all of his students, for positively impacting our lives.
I’ve known Bob since he started his teaching career. He was a fantastic musician and had a magnetic personality that fit every aspect of what music is. His friends and students enjoyed being around him. I had just visited with Bob in his classroom to show some instruments to the students before the Christmas break. He was so enthusiastic with the students and encouraged them to try any or all of what I brought to the school. While I was sitting there listening to each of his classes I was super impressed with how the students responded to Bob and how well they played because of his teaching. He was always a supporter of my business, and it was always in the best interests of his students. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you’ve done for furthering music in our schools and professionally. The area music community has lost a great educator, person and all-around great guy. My prayers are with the Wilhite family.
I’ve known Bob since he started his teaching career. He was a fantastic musician and had a magnetic personality that fit every aspect of what music is. His friends and students enjoyed being around him. I had just visited with Bob in his classroom to show some instruments to the students before the Christmas break. He was so enthusiastic with the students and encouraged them to try any or all of what I brought to the school. While I was sitting there listening to each of his classes I was super impressed with how the students responded to Bob and how well they played because of his teaching. He was always a supporter of my business, and it was always in the best interests of his students. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you’ve done for furthering music in our schools and professionally. The area music community has lost a great educator, person and all-around great guy. My prayers are with the Wilhite family.
My heartfelt sympathy to the family & friends of this wonderful band teacher. Years ago now I had a conversation with Bob about how incredibly awesome it must feel to have flip the “music switch” on so many young minds. I’m blessed to have had a daughter that learned from him and continued to play on. Thank you for your dedication Bob! Rest In Peace.
My heartfelt sympathy to the family & friends of this wonderful band teacher. Years ago now I had a conversation with Bob about how incredibly awesome it must feel to have flip the “music switch” on so many young minds. I’m blessed to have had a daughter that learned from him and continued to play on. Thank you for your dedication Bob! Rest In Peace.
Mr.Wilhite was my band director at Crestview Middle School. At the time I had just moved to the U.S from a different country, and I didn’t know the language, the culture, and struggled to find a community which I could belong in. Mr.Wilhite treated me no different from any of his other students. In fact, he spent extra time both in and out of the class session to not only help me become a better musician, but also become more comfortable in this new environment I found myself in. He was one of the greatest and most influential teachers I have had the pleasure of knowing, and he is one of the reason why I’ve become the musician I am today.
Words cannot describe the impact Mr.Wilhite had on my growth as a musician and as a human being. His teaching and his passion touched the lives of countless students including mine. I will forever cherish the memories I shared with him.
I offer my prayers and condolences to family and friends,
M.W
Mr.Wilhite was my band director at Crestview Middle School. At the time I had just moved to the U.S from a different country, and I didn’t know the language, the culture, and struggled to find a community which I could belong in. Mr.Wilhite treated me no different from any of his other students. In fact, he spent extra time both in and out of the class session to not only help me become a better musician, but also become more comfortable in this new environment I found myself in. He was one of the greatest and most influential teachers I have had the pleasure of knowing, and he is one of the reason why I’ve become the musician I am today.
Words cannot describe the impact Mr.Wilhite had on my growth as a musician and as a human being. His teaching and his passion touched the lives of countless students including mine. I will forever cherish the memories I shared with him.
I offer my prayers and condolences to family and friends,
M.W
Bob was a truly wonderful individual. It was my good fortune to provide sound system services often for PTE in their earlier years. I haven’t seen Bob for a number of years and am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and students.
Bob was a truly wonderful individual. It was my good fortune to provide sound system services often for PTE in their earlier years. I haven’t seen Bob for a number of years and am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and students.
From the bottom of our hearts, we are so sorry for your loss. You all will be in our prayer.
From the bottom of our hearts, we are so sorry for your loss. You all will be in our prayer.
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob during his entire teaching career. I was his cooperating teacher/supervisor during his student teaching assignment at Hazelwood West. He walked into West his first day and instantly had half the school fall in love with the Model/GQ/Cover/guy. This was when he had hair, Ha! For the semester he student taught at West I never had so many different staff members and secretaries visit my band room, ever. I also never had the Flute section sit with wonderful posture either without my constant scolding. Hmmm, wonder why they were focused so intently on Mr. Wilhite? 🙂 Besides his young college looks at the time, however, was his ability to be genuine, kind, yet firm and fair as an outstanding young band director. He touched so many lives, both educationally and as a performer with his evening groups. I saw him numerous times each year, judged him and his students frequently at district suburban music festivals. Always top notch. We would sometimes pick up the phone each year just to check in, but invariably, we saw each other every Spring at solo and ensemble festival.
A few years ago I visited him again at school, worked with his students, and even made him blush a little relaying a few war stories from his younger student teaching days to his 8th grade band students. Class act, he had a great perspective on education and life. So sorry to see him go. Hats off to one of the unofficial “Mayors” of the area. His legacy lives on through his students.
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob during his entire teaching career. I was his cooperating teacher/supervisor during his student teaching assignment at Hazelwood West. He walked into West his first day and instantly had half the school fall in love with the Model/GQ/Cover/guy. This was when he had hair, Ha! For the semester he student taught at West I never had so many different staff members and secretaries visit my band room, ever. I also never had the Flute section sit with wonderful posture either without my constant scolding. Hmmm, wonder why they were focused so intently on Mr. Wilhite? 🙂 Besides his young college looks at the time, however, was his ability to be genuine, kind, yet firm and fair as an outstanding young band director. He touched so many lives, both educationally and as a performer with his evening groups. I saw him numerous times each year, judged him and his students frequently at district suburban music festivals. Always top notch. We would sometimes pick up the phone each year just to check in, but invariably, we saw each other every Spring at solo and ensemble festival.
A few years ago I visited him again at school, worked with his students, and even made him blush a little relaying a few war stories from his younger student teaching days to his 8th grade band students. Class act, he had a great perspective on education and life. So sorry to see him go. Hats off to one of the unofficial “Mayors” of the area. His legacy lives on through his students.
This is still shocking to me, but I would just like to take the time to say I’m so so sorry to hear about the passing of mr. wilhite. I remember being a student at Crestview middle school, and I remember my mom and I were talking about what electives I should take while I’m there for the next 4years. When I decided to pick my choices I chose to be in band and that’s where I got to meet both my band instructors mr.Steep and mr.wilhite. I was so excited to have both of them as my instructors. I told both of them I wanted to play the French horn in the beginning, but they asked me are you sure you wouldn’t wanna play a smaller instrument. I told them sure I would love to play a smaller instrument I had no preference to honest. So mr.wilhite suggested I play flute and become a flautist. I think that was the best decision and choice we both ever made. I’m truly heart broken that the man who introduced me to the flute and music all together who I had the pleasure of having for 2 years at Crestview middle school is deceased. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and him as well. May god forever be by your side and be with your love ones and family.
❤️❤️❤️
This is still shocking to me, but I would just like to take the time to say I’m so so sorry to hear about the passing of mr. wilhite. I remember being a student at Crestview middle school, and I remember my mom and I were talking about what electives I should take while I’m there for the next 4years. When I decided to pick my choices I chose to be in band and that’s where I got to meet both my band instructors mr.Steep and mr.wilhite. I was so excited to have both of them as my instructors. I told both of them I wanted to play the French horn in the beginning, but they asked me are you sure you wouldn’t wanna play a smaller instrument. I told them sure I would love to play a smaller instrument I had no preference to honest. So mr.wilhite suggested I play flute and become a flautist. I think that was the best decision and choice we both ever made. I’m truly heart broken that the man who introduced me to the flute and music all together who I had the pleasure of having for 2 years at Crestview middle school is deceased. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and him as well. May god forever be by your side and be with your love ones and family.
❤️❤️❤️
Mr. Wilhite was my band director at CMS so many years ago. As someone with tremors, my parents hoped playing a musical instrument would help with my dexterity. Obviously playing an instrument was not my strong suit, but Mr. Wilhite’s patience and acceptance will resonate with me forever. He was so understanding and compassionate, I truly believe that my dexterity is better this day due to him working with me for three years. The world is already missing your kindness and patience with the most impressionable youth.
Mr. Wilhite was my band director at CMS so many years ago. As someone with tremors, my parents hoped playing a musical instrument would help with my dexterity. Obviously playing an instrument was not my strong suit, but Mr. Wilhite’s patience and acceptance will resonate with me forever. He was so understanding and compassionate, I truly believe that my dexterity is better this day due to him working with me for three years. The world is already missing your kindness and patience with the most impressionable youth.
Prayers for you and your family on your loss. I met Bob when I was doing my grad work at SIUE. My friend told me I had to check out the best cover band every in the St. Louis area and I did. Paint the Earth was our weekend relaxation choice more times then not. I got the chance to talk with him and hangout with the band between sets. He was truly one of the best guys I have ever met.
Prayers for you and your family on your loss. I met Bob when I was doing my grad work at SIUE. My friend told me I had to check out the best cover band every in the St. Louis area and I did. Paint the Earth was our weekend relaxation choice more times then not. I got the chance to talk with him and hangout with the band between sets. He was truly one of the best guys I have ever met.
My heart goes out to everyone that knew and loved Bob (if you knew him, you loved him). Because of him, I have countless memories, lifelong friends, and a love of music. He will be dearly missed.
My heart goes out to everyone that knew and loved Bob (if you knew him, you loved him). Because of him, I have countless memories, lifelong friends, and a love of music. He will be dearly missed.
I first met Bob at Crestview in 1997 when my son was in 6th grade. I have never forgotten how wonderful he was as a band teacher and mentor to his students. I was a parent volunteer and helped Bob plan the first Battle of the Bands competition. It meant so much to the students at Crestview. I know Bob will be missed by so many but it was wonderful to read what impact Bob continued to have on the students at Crestview. Prayers for the Wilhite Family and all those who have known Bob.
I first met Bob at Crestview in 1997 when my son was in 6th grade. I have never forgotten how wonderful he was as a band teacher and mentor to his students. I was a parent volunteer and helped Bob plan the first Battle of the Bands competition. It meant so much to the students at Crestview. I know Bob will be missed by so many but it was wonderful to read what impact Bob continued to have on the students at Crestview. Prayers for the Wilhite Family and all those who have known Bob.
No words can say how much you will be missed. I love you Brother.
No words can say how much you will be missed. I love you Brother.
I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Wilhite has passed away. He was my band teacher when I went to Crestview. Thank you for introducing me to the trumpet. He was a great teacher.
I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Wilhite has passed away. He was my band teacher when I went to Crestview. Thank you for introducing me to the trumpet. He was a great teacher.