LAKE WALES - Robert R. Alder, Sr. of Lake Wales, FL went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 22, 2007 due to COPD. His dear wife Marjorie and his eldest son, Robert were at his side singing his favorite gospel songs when his life came to a peaceful end at Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center Winter Haven, Fl..

He was born in Hoopeston, IL August 4, 1924 to Louis and Mable Alder. He graduated from Rossville High School in Rossville, IL. In 1943 Robert enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained to serve his country on a B-24 Bomber. In 1944 he married his high school sweetheart Laura Pearl Hamilton and they were married for 58 years. Their union produced seven children, six of whom are still living. Robert R. Alder, Jr. of Missouri, Wanda K. Smith of North Carolina, Diana L. Knierieman of South Carolina, Dennis H. Alder of West Virginia, David O. Alder of North Carolina and Laura F. McCarthy of Montana. Their last child Mark Glenn Alder born in California in 1962 lived just 2 days.

In 1959 the Alders moved from Illinois to Southern California where they lived for many years in the San Fernando Valley. Mr. Alder had several occupations during his life including electrician, millwright, insurance salesman and owner of a KOA Kampground near Fort Tejon, CA. He retired from General Motors in 1986. After traveling the United States in an RV for 4 ½ years they retired in Lake Wales, FL in 1990. Mr. Alder was employed at the Wal-Mart Store #859 for seven years. His wife Laura died October 31, 2002. February 10, 2003 he married Marjorie Albritton Jordan. She has two children, Rossie J. Culpepper, III of Lakeland, FL and Michelle Culpepper Moses of Babson park, FL.

Mr. Alder is remembered by his family as a devoted husband, loving father, proud American and a man of faith. He had a servants heart often helping friends and volunteering in the church. His friendly smile and stories will be missed by all. At the time of his death Mr. Alder had 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday (today), April 24, 2007 in the First Baptist Church of Lake Wales, with Rev. Barry Hooten officiating. Interment will take place at the Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, IL on Thursday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, Fl 33823. Condolences to www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.