Robert Floyd “Bob” Worden passed away on Nov. 1, 2026 in Heppner at the age of 73 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Sept. 4, 1953 at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Heppner to Wilbur and Rita Steinberger Worden.
Bob was the oldest son of Wilbur and Rita Worden and spent his childhood in Heppner, where he attended school from kindergarten through high school. He went on to attend Oregon State University, earning bachelor’s degrees in zoology and animal science. While at Oregon State, Bob played clarinet in the OSU Marching Band and met the love of his life, Pamela Morin. The couple met in 1973 and were married on May 13, 1978, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly five decades.
After graduating from Oregon State University, Bob returned to Heppner and joined the family wheat and cattle ranch operation. In 1988, he assumed leadership of the ranch and devoted his life to agriculture, stewardship of the land, and his community. Bob and Pam raised their three children, Richard (Rick), Kristi and Robert, on the family ranch, passing along the values of hard work, faith, integrity, and love of family.
In addition to farming and ranching, Bob proudly served the community as a bus driver for Mid-Columbia Bus Company for more than 20 years. He was deeply involved in civic and community organizations throughout his life. Bob was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and served with the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of BPOE Heppner Elks Lodge No. 358 and served on the Morrow County Grain Growers Board of Directors from 2002 to 2008.
Bob found great joy in the outdoors and had a lifelong appreciation for nature. He loved fishing, photography, animals, music, and classic cars. Whether
exploring the outdoors, enjoying a favorite song, photographing wildlife, or attending car shows, Bob approached life with curiosity and enthusiasm. However, nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life.
To many, Bob was a rancher, bus driver, volunteer, and friend; to his family, he was their steady foundation, trusted advisor, and greatest supporter.
Bob will be remembered for his gentle nature, unwavering dedication to family, strong faith, commitment to his community, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the land he cared for, and the many lives he touched throughout the years.
He is survived by his brothers, David Worden and Randy Worden; his loving wife, Pamela Worden; his children, Richard (Rick) Worden and his spouse Kelsie, Kristi Worden and her significant other Nels Wenberg, and Robert Worden and his spouse Brenda; his grandchildren, Daemon, Arianna, Eva, Lucas, Ryder, Bobby, Benny, and Rosie Worden, Klynn, James, Richard, and Rita McNamee, and Kiera Wenberg; and many other cherished family members and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Rita Worden, and his beloved grandchild, Blaise.
Services were held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Holy Name Society Scholarship Fund or Pioneer Memorial Hospital.
Please leave your condolences for the family at sweeneypaytonmortuary.com.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
