Bob Gene Schrader

March 5, 1936 - April 10, 2020

Bob G. Schrader was survived by Cynthia Lee (Jacobson) Schrader, his second wife of thirty-seven years, and was a step-father to her son, Benjamin L. La Presto, who passed away May 10, 2004. They were married in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 7, 1983, then moved to Florida in 1998.

His first wife, of twenty-seven years, Sue Carole (Leach) Schrader Grob, and their children are, Robert Thomas Schrader, and Cathy Jean and her husband, Jack Rahill, and her son, which is Bob's grandson, Kyle Barrett Rodgers, and his children, which are Bob's great-grandchildren, Barrett Sterling Rodgers, Stella Belle Rodgers and Zoe Lynn Rodgers Taylor. 

"A Tribute to my Dad and Mother" by Cathy

My Dad and mom were married in Waterloo, Illinois, at the courthouse on August 7, 1954. My paternal grandmother, Emma Elizabeth (Woods) Storie, was their witness. My mother, Sue Carole Leach, born April 5, 1937, was only 17 years old, which is why they had to drive to Illinois from Missouri to get married and needed a witness.  

A funny story about the wedding band that Dad bought Mom at the last minute before the wedding, it was purchased at a Five-and-Dime store, as they were referred to back then. The justice-of-the-peace presiding over the marriage, not knowing the story behind the ring, said during the ceremony, "May the love in your heart be as pure as the gold in that ring". Mom and Dad laughed about that for years. 

Dad's mother, Emma Elizabeth Woods, father, Ervin Schrader, passed away many years ago. Dad’s half-brother, Ervin Schrader, Jr., (older by 5 years), it is unknown where he is living or if he is still alive.

Education and Career: 

My Dad attended a catholic grade school and a public high school: Roosevelt High School in St. Louis, Missouri. Dad and Mom were married in 1954, while Dad was working in the marble business, and he also joined, Missouri National Guard 138th Division, and became a Corporal. In between the Guards, he worked in the marble building and construction business, and was a member of the Marble Setters" Helper Union No. 19, with his Uncle Melvin. He and his uncle were part of a crew that installed the beautiful marble fountain on the main floor of the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, Missouri. 

By early 1960, he decided to become a police officer and graduated from the St. Louis City Police Academy in 1961. He patrolled the 4th district in St. Louis, from 1961 to 1965. After working as a police officer for three plus years, he decided that type of work was not for him. He then worked at Merchants Refrigerating Company as a wear-houseman and was employed for more than twenty-five years until he retired. 

Hobbies 

When he was younger, he loved to fish, hunt, paint, and draw. He also had a 'good eye' for remodeling and added a second-floor room to our home, which became my bedroom. He also built and designed a garden privacy fence and brick patio. His last major home project, he designed and built a 1 1/5 size car garage. 

Dad loved to play the guitar, and because of him, I learned how to play the guitar, then I taught my son Kyle how to play guitar, who in turn, taught his son, Barrett, how to play the guitar. My Dad's love of the guitar has carried on through to his grandson. 

My Dad and Mom had the best sense of humor. My brother and I grew up in a home, filled with love and laughter. Even though my Dad had been bedridden the last six years of his life, he still had his sense of humor; for example, when I called him on the phone and asked him how he was doing, he would answer, "Good, just laying around." 

My Dad loved old classic movies, especially Biblical and Westerns. While growing up, there were many nights, my brother, and I would stay up late with Dad watching old movies. Throughout the years, he loved to talk about old movies, the actors, John Wayne being his favorite. 

Religion

I know my Dad is in heaven, as he was a Christian and believed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. My Dad and Mom went to church weekly, and they both taught Sunday School, as my brother and I were growing up. These last few years, when my Dad and I were alone together, we would talk a lot about God, His Son, Christ Jesus, and that he had made peace with God. God Speed Pops! Bobby (my brother) and I love and miss you so very much. 

The photos were some of my Dad's favorites, as well as my brother and myself. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

(352)796-6699

"Family Owned & Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com