Bobby Gene Sides was born near Hayti, Missouri on June 10, 1927, the elder son of Cyrus E. Sides and Lina E. (Warren) Sides. The family moved to Risco, Missouri when Bob was twelve, and to what became the family farm east of Bernie in December, 1941. Bob graduated from Bernie High School in 1944 and began farming shortly after, first with his father and later with his younger brother Wayne.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Faye Quinn, on August 8, 1946 in Flint, Michigan. The couple moved into the house in rural Bernie that remained Bob’s home the rest of his life. Together they farmed, traveled, and raised their daughter, Barbara. Faye died on April 11, 1988.
He married Rev. Susan Marner on February 11, 1989, when he took on the sometimes challenging role of clergy spouse. After retiring from farming in 1992, Bob and Susan enjoyed many trips in their 5th -wheel trailer, including several winter visits to Arizona and summer trips to the Missouri State Fair. In later years Bob took up golf and enjoyed golfing trips with friends. He delivered Meals on Wheels in Bernie for over 25 years. He was a former member of the Drainage Ditch #37 Board and the Senate Bill 40 Board, which administers and establishes facilities and services for persons with developmental disabilities. Bob was an active and faithful member of the Bernie United Methodist Church for 81 years.
Bob died in his home on May 13, 2023, at the age of 95. He was predeceased by his parents; by his wife Faye; by two infant half-sisters; by his son-in-law Thomas Dawson; and by his brother, partner, and friend, Wayne Sides. Bob’s survivors include his wife, Susan Marner-Sides; one daughter, Barbara Dawson; and one grandson, Robbie Dawson, all of Bernie, Missouri. He is also survived by nephews Gary (Terrie) and Kevin (Tammy) Sides, of Festus, Missouri; and Raye Riley of Anthony, Texas; by a host of great nieces and nephews; and by many, many friends.
Friends may call at Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Missouri on Friday, May 19, 2023 From 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday Morning, May 20, 2023 in the Mathis Funeral Chapel in Bernie, Missouri starting at 11:00 AM. With Rev. Jayne Markin and Rev. Dr. Amy Gearhart officiating. Interment will follow in Bernie Cemetery. Mathis Funeral Home of Bernie is assisting with arrangements.
MEMORIALS:
Bernie United Methodist Church Noisy Offering Fund (PO Box 850, Bernie MO 63822);
Stoddard County Meals on Wheels (23 W Stoddard St, Dexter MO 63141);
or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org)
