Obituary

Robert Byron Strater, 89, of Kendallville died Friday, August 30, 2013 at 4:41 p.m. in his residence.

He was a lifetime area resident and farmer in Woodruff and Kendallville. He had also worked in bridge construction. Along with his wife, Marie, they owned Marie's Fabrics for over 20 years. Robert was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and honorably discharged in 1945.

Mr. Strater was a member of the Kendallville VFW Post 2749, Kendallville American Legion Post 86, and the Kendallville Eagles.

He was born November 2, 1923, in Kendallville, to Robert Grover and Elsie (Newman) Strater. On October 26, 1946 in Churubusco he married Marie Leitch, she survives in Kendallville.

Also surviving are two daughters, Glenna Mae Becker of Fort Wayne and Rita Derrow of LaOtto; four grandchildren, Cristalle (Ben) Kline of Kendallville, Michelle (Chris) Gibson of Roanoke, and twins, Steve (Michelle) Becker of Fort Wayne and Summer Becker of Fort Wayne; and four great granddaughters, Madison Kline of Kendallville, Hayley Kline of Kendallville, Drew Becker of Decatur, and Allison Becker of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by a son, Robert C. Strater; two brothers, Hollie Strater and Frederick Strater; a sister, Ruth McClellan; and two infant brothers, Donald Strater and Warren Strater.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville with Chaplain James Piepenbrok officiating. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery.

Honor guard services will be provided by Rome City American Legion Post 381 and Kendallville VFW Post 2749.

Calling is Thursday, September 5, 2013 from 11a.m. to 1p.m. in the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (formerly NARSAD).

View a video tribute after Thursday or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com.