Robert E. "Bob"
Wales, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge
on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, after battling with Alzheimer's
disease and diabetes for the past four years. Bob was a
graduate of LSU and a lifelong Tiger fan. His military service
included active duty with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort
Bragg, N.C., from 1955-1959 and 177th Special Forces National
Guard Unit from 1960-1965. He was a former chairman of the
Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, president of Capital City
Kiwanis Club, an international trustee for Kiwanis
International and served on numerous boards of many different
civic associations. Bob retired as managing partner for
Hawthorn, Waymouth and Carroll in December 1999. Bob was an
active member and deacon of Istrouma Baptist Church and served
on numerous committees through the years. He was passionate
about his church, his family and his farm, where he loved to
spend as much time as he was able. He used to say he was a
farmer by profession, but a CPA by trade to provide for his
family. Bob, as he was known to his family and friends, was
born to Willie and Vercie Wales on Nov. 25, 1932. Bob is
survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Gwynne Cannaday
Wales; four children, Bob Wales and his wife, Karen (whom he
called his favorite daughter-in-law), Suzie Edwards and her
husband, Brandt, Kaye Rushing and her husband, Cecil, and
Laurie Wales; eight grandchildren, Kendyl, Eric and Megan
Rushing, Tyler, Chase, Parker and Avery Wales, and Blake
Edwards; brother, Ernie Wales and his wife, Kathy; sister,
Joyce Wales Burkeen and her husband, Jim; and numerous nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie
and Vercie Wales; and a granddaughter, Ainsley Marie Edwards.
Visitation at Istrouma Baptist Church on Monday, Oct. 19, from
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the church on Tuesday,
Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. until the memorial service at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to
the Alzheimer's Services of the Capitol Area, 3772 North
Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 or to the Doug and Kathryn Taylor
Missionary Fund c/o Istrouma Baptist Church, 10500 Sam Rushing
Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. The family would like to thank
Monica Anderson for her assistance and loving care during
these last several months.
