Robert Stanley Fender Jr.

Robert Stanley Fender Jr., age 73, passed away peacefully in his home October 28, 2022, after a long fought battle with cancer. Robert (Bob) was born December 21, 1948 in Warren, Ohio to Robert and Catherine Fender. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Thomas and William. Surviving him are his loving wife, Pamela; daughters Angela (Donald) and Danielle; grandchildren Abigail, Noah, Zachary, Ava, and Emily; and sisters Janet (Donald) Allen and Deborah (Mark) Tissot-Hinkel; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob spent his childhood in Ohio before his family moved to New Buffalo, Michigan when he was a teenager. Bob graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1969. He joined the U.S. Navy that following July, serving for two years as a Gunner's Mate during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for a short time before beginning his career with C&O Railway as a brakeman. Bob's years at the railroad took him and his family to Saginaw, Michigan, then to his final home in Grandville, Michigan. Bob retired from the railroad as a locomotive engineer 13 years ago. During his retirement, Bob enjoyed trips to Destin, Florida with his wife, playing slots at the casinos, and weekly BINGO nights with his friend Rose and the girls. Bob also loved spending time at home with his friends, family, and neighbors, whether it be a chat on the front porch, a swim in the pool, or sharing a meal together. Bob's bright smile and infectious laugh will surely be missed by so many.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI, with visitation an hour prior. There will be a luncheon to follow the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to give our heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and health teams at Lemmen-Holton Cancer Center, Spectrum-Butterworth Hospital Oncology Unit and the angels at Spectrum Hospice.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.