Robert Leroy Fender "Bob"
Robert Leroy Fender "Bob"
Dad and Grandpa was born May 3, 1931 to Clifford and Sue (Chowning) Fender in Springfield, Missouri. He went home to Heaven on Labor Day September 5, 2022 at his home surrouded by his family. He graduated from Springfield Senior High School (Central) and later got his degree at Drury University. Bob then signed up for the Navy and served 4 years in the Air Branch of the Navy during the Korean War, being stationed in Iceland for two years. He then began his working career as a Highway Designer for the Missouri Department of Transportation for 39 years, playing a large role in the building of HWY 65 bypass and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.
Bob played Semi-Pro Baseball and Triple-A Fast Pitch Softball one year leading the league in hitting as a member of The News Leader Parrots. He was a highly skilled golfer accumulating numerous trophys in golf tournaments. An avid sports fan dedicated to the St. Louis Cardinals his entire life. On April 14, 1957 he married B. Janelle Boyts and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage before she went to Heaven on May 5, 2017.
Bob was preceeded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister and her husband Shirley J. Lewis and Guy W. Lewis. Also his beloved dogs Peace, Lady, Rusty, Bruiser, Bandit, Chelsea and his precious cats Friskie, Puff, Skidder, Magic and Griffin.
He is survived by his son Rob (Jo) and his daughter Cindy, grandchildren Hailey Fender, Tyler (Kelly) Wasman, Spencer (Ann) Wasman and his great-granddaughters Elizabeth, Rylinn, and Ailanna Wasman. A neice he had a special connection with, Vicki Lewis-Barnett, who won his heart every time she called and said, "Come giddy me!" Two nephews Rick (Lynette) Lewis, Mick (Chandler) Lewis, whom he shared many memorable times with. Their children; Stacy, Robin, Hayden and Perry. His cats Ben, Piccolo, Dylan and Walt.
As a young man Bob was baptized in 1949 at Pithian Ave Baptist Church by L.V. Swadley accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He had an unprecedented dedication to his family along with a great sense of humor often saying the funniest things and leaving us all with a million laughs. Bob is going to be dearly missed.
A special thanks to his wonderful nurse Kristyn and his Social Worker, Lanay along with the whole Hospice Team for their support and care. Thank you.
Services are scheduled for 4:00pm Saturday September 10, 2022 at Gorman-Sharpf Funeral home beginning with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite animal rescue or shelter.
SERVICE RECORD FOR ROBERT L FENDER
BRANCH OF SERVICE- NAVY
PLACE OF ENTRANCE- ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
DATE- NOVEMBER 21, 1951
RANK- ATAR
FIRST ASSIGNMENT- BOOT CAMP IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.
RECORD OF PROMOTION- ATAR, ATAA, ATAN, AT3, AT2
RECORD OF CITATIONS AND AWARDS- NATO, GOOD CONDUCT
RECORD OF TRAINING AND DOMESTIC SERVICE- BOOT CAMP IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA; AIRMAN SCHOOL IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA; ELECTRONICS SCHOOL AND WEATHER SCHOOL BOTH IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.
RECORD OF FOREIGN SERVICE AND COMBAT- ICELAND FROM MAY 1954 TO JUNE 1955;
ABOARD SHIP USS NORTHAMPTON FROM AUGUST 1955 TO OCTOBER 1955; CROSSING BOTH THE ARTIC CIRCLE AND THE EQUATOR STEAMING THROUGH ICELAND, SCOTLAND, SPAIN, NORWAY AND GERMANY.
RELEASED FROM SERVICE- LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY
DATE- NOVEMBER 20, 1955
RANK- AT2