Rob Whetstone
1969-2018
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 23, 2018 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel Edmond, OK.
Rob Whetstone
1969-2018
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 23, 2018 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel Edmond, OK.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I served in the US Army with Rob from September 1987- June 1991. We lived with each other on a constant basis for this time. He’s like a brother to me and I am truly blessed to have known him. in the days since I found out about his passing I’ve been in contact with the guys who served with us and the stories usually always go back to a person who was a character. He made us laugh with his dry offer snarky sense of humor. His wit was always present. I wouldn’t have wanted to have been around any other group of friends. We all had our strengths and weaknesses and we learned early in basic training our unity was always our strongest asset. One of the best memories I want to share is how Rob took on the toughest task asked of any of us, in our whole enlistment. We had two fellow platoon members KIA during Desert Storm. One of them a very close friend of Robert’s and I. Rob took on the task of retrieving the remains for transport back to the states, so their families would have closure and a proper burial. This labor of love for our fallen was done out of duty, pride, and unwavering commitment to our team. I don’t know if I could have done it. But Robert did. I’ve always admired him for this. I love you Rob. I want to send out all my condolences to the family and friends. He will never be forgotten by the members of Scout Platoon 1st Battalion 41st Infantry 2AD ( fwd). See you on the Green.
David, thanks so much for your thoughts. Rob thought the world of you!
Rob’s Mom
Sibyl Overstreet
bilsiby@cox.net
The feeling was mutual. I won’t be able to attend tomorrow’s celebration of Rob’s life, but to all who do attend please be aware there are scores of people who were touched by Rob. We won’t ever forget who he was, or how he impacted our lives even today. Sibyl thank you for your son. You are in my prayers
many of us cant be there in
person. but rest asdured….. we are there
Dear Sibyl, I only met Rob one time in Vegas during an annual Cav Scout Memorial get together for our son, Jeff. My memory of Rob was that he was delightful, full of life, and a fun sort of guy. I know he was close to our son, Jeff and very well thought of by his brothers in arms. I am very sorry for your loss, you have our deepest condolences. He will be missed.
hooah! Scouts Out!
This warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing this story.
Rob has been a true friend for years. His bright smile and wit have lit up many a room. Always making someone laugh. The world has lost a bright light that will never be forgotten. My heart aches for you all.
Our hearts are broken by the passing of such an amazing man. Rob came into my families life thru his friendship with my sister. And what a “true” friendship they shared!! Your sense of humor will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to your family.
I also served with Rob in Germany. I was the mechanic for his vehicle. We had plenty of good times both during work time and during our off time. He was a good man and will be missed.
I served with Rob in the Army. He was an intelligent, fun loving guy who could be counted on to get the job done. He certainly left an impression on everyone. Our platoon would not have been the same without him. See you at Fiddler’s Green.
I served with Rob from 1988-1991..In Germany and Desert Storm…What I remember was his ability to make awkward moments funny…He was always one for a wise crack and the leaders took notice,and made exception…Hell it was Whetstone…I was one of those leaders..The boys from 1/41 Infantry will take the watch now brother…Save us a spot at Fiddlers Green…
I was Robert’s Company Executive Officer in Germany and during Desert Storm. I certainly remember his smile which brightened up everyone around him. He was a fine man and a good Cavalry Scout. You will be missed.
Rob was one of the group of young men I received in the scout platoon in germany. e was the one who nicknamed me the bear. His humor was so funny, that group of young men were some of the armies best. I send my condolences and prayers to the family
well. he was right…..you wete a bear sarge!
although our time together was short rob, we had some good times and many laughs. from the PCC on post, to the DiscoTech and Bier Academy in Bremen, and Racys in Osterholtz…only appropriate we last saw each other in Vegas…until we meet again my friend. Scouts Out !
RIP Rob.
It was an honor to have served with you.My sincerest condolences to his family.
Straight and Stalwart!!!
See ya around the bend.
I’m at a loss to put into words what Robert’s passing means to me. We served together thru basic training and AIT and finally Garlstedt West Germany. Robert was quick witted, sarcastic, intelligent, and extremely outspoken. You never had to worry about what was on his mind because he’d tell you hahaha. There are stories of the shenanigans we got into on the streets of West Germany. But ill tell a clean one. We roomed together briefly and i came to find out Robert loved JIF creamy peanut butter. I mean really loved it, we couldn’t keep enough of the stuff around. Ill always keep him in my memory…..See you at Fiddlers Green bro. Scouts Out!
R.I.P. Brother. Last time I saw you was in Vegas with the rest of the 20yr reunion guys who attended. May your family find peace during this difficult time. You’ve done more than most could/would do. much Respect!! Straight And Stalwart. I won’t forget.
Back in 1990 & 1991, Rob, along with Brian Motter and I, were the core crew of HQ-36, an M-3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle that was part of the Scout Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment. Rob was a Scout, an exceptional Soldier among exceptional Soldiers. We served in Desert Storm together. As Scouts we spent most of our time rather isolated, serving as a small, wide-spread screening force between our battalion and the unknown, connected mostly by radio. Throughout the war, Rob and I were separated by about 11 feet and a ½ dozen tons of armored vehicle, me in the turret with Brian, and Rob in the driver’s compartment at the front of the vehicle. He was our constant companion thru a vehicle intercom system. Rob’s wonderful, irreverent sense of humor as he provided an on-going commentary during combat operations was our drive-time radio.
In spite of an outer shell that implied he didn’t take things too seriously, he could be relied on during the most difficult times. I don’t think he slept for the duration of the active combat operations. During the initial stages of our deployment, we discovered that every time Rob would rest, something would go wrong. Being a little superstitious, he decided not to sleep once combat operations were under way. Rob, Brian and I also had the difficult task of recovering the remains of two of our fallen, and I am grateful he was there to help me through that.
Overseas military deployments, even combat deployments, are mostly filled with long periods of boredom. Those of you who know Rob will not be surprised that we often filled that time with deep discussions on a variety of subjects, typically over a delicious MRE, somewhat warmed over a locally procured fuel stove. I recall being in an area just south of the Euphrates River—no water, just sparse grass and snarly trees—we were close to Ur in Iraq, the birthplace of Abram. We read aloud from the bible, Genesis chapters 11 & 12, and the story of God calling Abram to travel from the Fertile Crescent across the desert to Canaan. It humbled us. Rob helped me understand that the dirt under our feet was ancient and had witnessed things far greater than our recent disruptive arrival. Since that day I have walked on our earth with more care.
My Christian faith tells me that our time here is only a portion of our entire existence. The bible is divinely inspired, but its full comprehension is limited by our human condition. It promises a reunion with God, our creator, and that we would sit at a banquet table with Him, a feast beyond our imagination. But I think this too is a description that is limited by our earthly existence. One day we will all come to understand these words, I believe Rob now does.
Bandit 6 Out!
RIP Rob!,
I with others on here also served with Rob. We attended basic training together and then moved on to Germany. He was my roommate for nearly two years. We had a lot of successes and alot of failures, but we were nearly always together. I have countless stories. We were a close platoon. Yes at times we fought and argued, but thats what brothers do. But when it hit the fan, we were always there for each other. I am honored to be your cohort, your friend, your brother! See you at the green brother, save us all a seat like you always did!
I am one of the many others here who served proudly alongside Rob going all the way back to basic training at Ft. Knox until we got out after Desert Storm. Rob had a razor sharp wit and never shied away from sharing his opinions. You can imagine how that sometimes played out in the Army, but Rob never changed who he was. He was a great soldier and a great friend. I’ll never forget his smiles, his smirks, his humor, and his intellect. Greatest barracks lawyer there ever was!
Rob, thank you for being who you were. You were an integral part of the greatest group of people I have ever known. Peace to you and all your loved ones.
Scouts Out!
Everybody here hit the nail on the head; Rob was an outspoken smart-ass in the best sense of the word. I also served with Rob in the Scout platoon, even on the same vehicle as him until after the cease fire. I was the wet behind the ears newbie. Rob was a cornerstone in a cast of characters that was the best platoon in which I’ve ever served. I’m so very sorry that he’s passed; I’d have loved to have seen him one more time and thank him for being a stalwart source of levity and intelligence during a time when we needed it most.
See you on the Green.
Rob, what a guy! I’ve been reading the memories left here and on Facebook and it has really taken me back to my days in Garlstedt. Kind, funny, irreverent, purposeful, intellectual and a great soldier. Rob was all of those and much more. The world is a lesser place with out his presence. I hope peace finds those who love Rob. See you on the green my brother.
Rob was an extraordinary man among extraordinary men. I was fortunate enough to have served with him during Desert Storm. He was always quick witted and passionate about life and his beliefs, although you may not have agreed with him everyone respected him for who he was. Until Fiddlers Green Rob.
Halfway down the trail to Hell in a shady meadow green,
are the Souls of all dead troopers camped near a good old-fashion canteen,
and this eternal resting place is known as Fiddlers’ Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell, the Infantry are seen,
accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marine,
for none but the shades of Cavalrymen dismount at Fiddlers’ Green.
Though some go curving down the trail to seek a warmer scene,
no trooper ever gets to Hell ere he’s emptied his canteen
and so rides back to drink again with friends at Fiddlers’ Green.
And so when man and horse go down beneath a saber keen,
or in a roaring charge fierce melee you stop a bullet clean,
and the hostiles come to get your scalp,
just empty your canteen and put your pistol to your head
and go to Fiddlers’ Green
Rob and I met in 1991, at The University of Oklahoma outside the building of our freshman english class in the area where smokers gathered. We quickly realized we smoked the same brand “Camel Special Lights” and both were collecting the “Camel Cash” that came with each pack. Our Friendship grew from there. When I think of Rob, I remember he told the best stories. Most of which I had a front row seat for, and was sometimes the butt of. One night I crashed on his couch, before going to bed he told me not to leave his TV on “Yo, MTV Raps” because it would blow it up. I fell asleep shortly after, and sure enough woke up to a TV that wasn’t working, and an upset Rob who said “I told you so”. Probably a coincidence, but not to Rob who would often predict bizarre and random occurrences. I’m also the one that accidentally let it slip to his mom, that he was in jail. He forgave me but never let me forget by telling those stories to anyone that would listen. He’s been my best friend for the last 27 years and can truly say that he is one of the smartest, funniest, & most generous person I have ever met.