Robert Edward Reeder

Robert Edward Reeder went to Heaven February 17, 2024. He was born in Tyrone, PA to Frank Harve “Bill” Reeder and Elizabeth “Libby” Johnsonbaugh. Bob was always physically active in life with noteworthy sports beginning at Tyrone High School, Class of 1950.

Bob pursued several fulfilling careers in life. He was a Retired Major, United States Army. He was proudly associated with Tyrone’s Troop M, 3rd Reconnaissance Squadron, 104th Armored Cavalry, Pennsylvania National Guard. On August 13,1960 Bob, with his wife Shirley in attendance, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal by the Governor of Pennsylvania, David L. Lawrence along with Secretary of the Army, Wilber M. Brucker, at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. He was awarded the medal for picking up a smoke grenade that had found its way inside the tank near the driver, and without thought of self, “picked up the flaming missile with his bare hand and hurled it from the tank.”

He began his corporate career in Fuel Delivery Systems with Veeder Root in Altoona, PA. A quick promotion from Plant Quality Control Inspector to Field Service Representative sent Bob to Hartford, Ct. There he honed his skills in customer relations and new product development with pump and meter manufacturers throughout the United States.

Bob and his young family migrated to Plainfield, NJ in 1967 when Bob joined Lockheed Electronics. As Program Manager for a $4 Million Aerospace Recorder Program, he excelled in completing the Contracted Program and was promoted to National Sales Manager. With a goal of obtaining maximum market penetration, yearly sales increased from $5 to $8 Million.

Bob then moved to Autotronic Systems Inc., as District Real Estate Manager for their Division in Edison, NJ. It was here that he became a corporate giant. In this position he was on the forefront of Self-Service Gasoline at Convenience Stores (C-Stores). In 30 months, he was able to execute market research, site selection, acquisition, site layout, permitting, equipment ordering and construction supervision of 52 sites. These locations were completely operational when the first gallon of gasoline was pumped at each of the C-Stores.

Autotronic Systems acquired Spenco Systems, Inc. in Austin, Texas in December 1972. Bob accepted the position of Vice President, Marketing in the new Division and the family began their Texas adventure. This would be his last move.

Spenco was purchased by Dresser Wayne, and Bob was promoted to Vice President, Sales, and Marketing. It was here that Bob began travelling internationally. When Dresser withdrew their operations back to headquarters in Maryland, Bob declined to move with them.

Sailing on Lake Travis had become a major part of Bob’s life and factored heavily in that decision. His corporate career continued for two more years with National Business Control Systems. At their reorganization Bob left his corporate career.

Bob had been sailing and racing on Lake Travis since 1974 (O’Day 27, Sail 107) and lake life was a major component of his life. Lake living led to a friendship with future business and life partner Cindy Pepper. In 1985 he joined Cindy as a Full Partner in her Real Estate Ventures.

Bob and Cindy married in 1986 and the Reeder’s have been an active couple in Austin Residential Real Estate. Associations with KeyMark Properties, the Easter Brothers, Century 21 and RE/MAX Capital City resulted in lifelong friendships. Bob thought he was ready to retire in 1995 and tried that for less than a year. Choosing to give back to his community, “Mr. Reeder” drove Bus 70 for Leander ISD for 15 years. Bob enjoyed this last career immensely. He formed a close bond with the children, their families, and his friends at LISD.

Bob was also an accomplished gourmand. He loved cooking and could always be found in the kitchen during his leisure time. He was known for being in the kitchen cooking Thanksgiving Turkeys and baking his legendary rolls, sharing stories of his first job at Kienzle’s Bakery in Tyrone.

Bob is survived by his best friend, life partner and wife Cindy (Lucinda) Pepper Reeder, daughter Karen Saathoff (John), son Tim (Camille), daughter Melissa Reeder, and daughter Colleen Pepper. He is also survived by his sister Mardell Stange of Arizona and Pennsylvania, 7 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Boyd Reeder, half-brother Bus Johnsonbaugh and wife Frances, brother-in-law Albert Stange and Grandson Bryan Reeder.

Bob was a Christian, strong in his Faith. He was mentally vibrant throughout this journey sharing humor, wit, and Great Grace. Cremation was always in pre-planning. When asked about a Service he reiterated: “No service. Most of my friends are already there…” In his 1950 Tyrone, PA, Falcon Yearbook, he wrote a ‘Letter to Self’ which is on his Memorial Website. His final words are: “So long ‘Red’...Try to make something of yourself.” He succeeded.

Please refer to the full Obituary with Pictures and leave Remembrances at https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/austin-tx/robert-reeder-10191241