Robert W. Whyte

Robert W. "Bob" Whyte, 96, of Sioux City, died Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City.
Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at St. James United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Robert W. "Bob" Whyte, the son of Edward and Mable (Conklin) Whyte, was born March 22, 1922, in Ida Grove, Iowa.
On Sept. 15, 1940, Bob was united in marriage with Mildred Porter in South Dakota. In 1945, Bob joined the U.S. Navy, and served honorably during World War II.
In Sioux City, in the 1950s, Bob owned and operated three different restaurants, Whyte’s Cafe in Morningside’s east end, one on Pierce Street and Sorney’s Hut across from Cooper School.
The couple moved to California in the early 1960s, where Bob was employed as a maintenance man for the Orange County School District. After his retirement, the couple moved back to Sioux City. Mildred died July 13, 2003.
Bob was an active member of the Methodist Church while in California. After moving back to Sioux City, he then faithfully attended St. James United Methodist Church. Bob was also a member of the American Legion, V.F.W., and the Costa Mesa, Calif. Community Senior Center. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, taking many road trips to many states including Alaska. For over 17 years, Bob regularly attended Awesome Biker Nights in Sioux City, with his grandson in his motorcycle’s sidecar.
Bob had many talents. He was skilled at woodworking, playing the guitar, and riding bulls. Bob loved the outdoors and animals, especially birds. He even raised various species of birds over the years. Bob’s greatest love, however, was his family, especially his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Clarys "Vonnie" Clark of Sioux City, Charlotte (Robert) Sweeney of Sioux City, and Lynette (Ty) Lansing of Idaho; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred; a daughter, Jeanine Wisdom; a son-in-law, James L. Clark; a great-grandson; and a great-great-grandson.