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Robert Strader, 86, of Danville, passed away Feb. 29, 2016. He was attended by and in the care of his children at his passing, in just the manner he would have wished.
Robert was born on July 23, 1929, in Danville, the son of William and Mary (Carroll) Strader. He married Esther M. Divan on Jan. 20, 1950, in Danville, at St. Paul's Rectory.
Robert was a father figure to many outside of his immediate family. He will be deeply missed by his children: Robert (Ann) Strader of Portland, Ore., Laurie (Gary) Dickerson of Union, Ky., Beth (John) Lashbrook of Springfield, Ill., Tim (Cathy) Strader of Bloomington, Ill. and Chris (Betsy) Strader of Danville; his Godchild, Scott Strader of St. Pete, Fla.; two sisters, Beverly Mottsinger and Carol Franzese of St. Pete, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers.
He was looked upon as the family patriarch. His parental influence reached well beyond his five children as he and Esther assumed parenting responsibilities for a nephew. He was also the primary male influence for additional nieces and nephews when needs occurred. He was the baseball coach and swim fan. He was the man who showed you how to pound your first nail. He was the breadwinner who worked all hours of the day. He would often say, "The best thing about owning your own business is that you can work any 14 hours of the day you want". He was the disciplinarian ... oh boy was he, but in all the right ways. He was a pick-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps type of guy. Robert's adult life began to take shape while in the Navy, during the Korean War. He then advanced from working in the local mining operations to retraining in the tax/accounting discipline. He ran an independent tax/accounting business for over 50 years, retiring at age 85. During those years, he had the absolute pleasure of advising hundreds of local residents and businesses. And trust that his children had the opportunity to meet many of those clients, while accompanying him around town. People always had stories to share about how he saved them money and advised them well. He loved his work and loved his clients. He was a life-long learner, and was quick to offer his opinions on the state of the world, for anyone who was up to a debate.
The greatest joy in his life was his bride, Esther. They were a fabulous couple who lit-up the joint with their presence. They loved to dance and sing and dine and travel. Genuine pleasure, excitement and joy was theirs. A favored quote of our dad, "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." There are few who treasured life more.
The family is ever thankful to Dr. Rowland and the "girls" at Danville Carle Oncology. The care and concern they demonstrate is what every family wants for their loved ones.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be held on Friday, March 4, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Fr. Loftus officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3, from 4-7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. A private burial will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials can be made in Bob's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or American Cancer Society. Please join Bob's family in sharing photos and memories on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
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