Robert August Schroeder, Sr. transitioned from this world to a much better one on March 20, 2020 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born on June 10, 1940, in Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, the only child of August F. Schroeder and Cora Juanita Swafford.
Early in life, he became affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene in Richmond and after graduating from North Kansas City High School, made his way to Bethany, Oklahoma to study for the pastoral ministry at Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University).
Janice Roth, from Dodge City, Kansas, became his bride on August 15, 1962. They were married by a dear friend, Rev. Curtis Whited in Udall, Kansas. Their home was blessed with two sons. Robert, Jr. was born October 15, 1966, and died January 22, 1993, of osteosarcoma. Christopher was born June 15, 1968 and lives in Florida with wife Karen; sons, Geoffrey (wife Morgan, daughter Emily), Benjamin and Aaron; along with several cousins.
Although not related by blood, Ethel Mae Whited Brewer and husband Terry deserve mention. More than close friends. They are as much a part family as one can be.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by several cousins.
Western Kansas was the focal point of his pastoral ministry until 1978, when he accepted an assignment in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Following that assignment, he was employed by Nolen Tool Company in Fort Smith and a CPA firm in Alma.
A private graveside service will be held later this week at Gill Cemetery in Van Buren. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date, to be announced.
