Robert John Grider

ROBERT JOHN GRIDER was born on November 24, 1922, and went to be with Our Lord on September 24, 2016, at the age of 93. He grew up in Bradley County, Arkansas, with two brothers and two sisters. Bob graduated from Hermitage High School and attended reunions until recently. Bob met and married Marian Frances Winckler on February 2, 1947.

Nicknamed Spider Grider, Bob was a fighter pilot assigned to the 507th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific. Bob was quite patriotic, remaining close friends with many soldiers. He and Marian enjoyed going to many reunions of the 507th Association held for almost 50 years all around the country.

Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree from TCU in Accounting in 1955 and soon became a CPA. He served in the Texas National Guard until resigning with the rank of Captain in 1963. Bob served his country for almost 20 years with 6½ years on active duty, and received numerous medals. During the Korean War, Bob was asked to take Army General Matthew Ridgway up in the air in a two-seater for an hour to view several areas that were of concern.

Bob and Marian moved to Kingwood in 1975. He was very generous in doing personal tax returns for family members as well as many friends throughout his lifetime. Bob dearly loved to play games, and especially enjoyed playing bridge with friends from church. He had many dear friends who will miss receiving the heartfelt cards, letters and notes he and Marian enjoyed sending.

Golf was his passion - the more, the merrier. Bob whistled when he was happy, and he woke up with a smile on his face and a lighter step on golf days. His famous “chili-dip” jest during golf games often had everyone laughing off their frustration.

Bob also enjoyed his volunteer work at church each week in recent years, and was proud to be asked often to serve as ambassador at Cypress Woods Independent Living. He was a delightful conversationalist and always treated ladies with the utmost respect. His gentlemanly ways, exceptional memory and quick wit will be missed. He was truly inspiring to many throughout his life.

Bob loved to be with his family and will be greatly missed by his daughter Gena and husband Paul Rea; granddaughters Michelle Rea Smith and Angela Rea Hassialis; 4 great-grand-daughters Ashlyn Rea Hassialis, Juliana Rea Smith, Tatum Rose Smith and Kaleigh Grace Hassialis; two grandsons-in-law Durrell Smith and Jason Hassialis who loved and admired him; one brother, Richard Harvey Grider and wife Ginny Lehman of New York City; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his loving wife Marian of 67 years; their son, Richard Lewis Grider, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver at age 30; two sisters, and one brother.

In lieu of flowers, the family will cherish donations in Memory of Robert J. Grider:

• Rice University – Richard L. Grider Scholarship

Rice University

Office of Development

6100 Main Street, Mail Stop 81

Houston, TX 77005

Contact: Ellie Covault 713-348-4383

https://online.alumni.rice.edu/default.aspx?page=GIVEUserGift

• Holy Comforter Lutheran Church – Robert J. Grider Memorial Fund

1901 Woodland Hills Drive

Kingwood, TX 77339

Contact: Pam MacNaughton 281-358-6500

A Memorial Service for Robert John Grider will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at 10:00 am at Holy Comforter Lutheran Church, 1901 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, Texas 77339. Phone 281-358-6500.

Military Honors for Robert John Grider will be held the same day, Tuesday, October 18. 2016, at 2:00 pm at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. Phone 281-447-8686. A short tribute will be held with a Rifle Salute, playing of TAPS, and Folding of Flag. Bob and Marian will be honored with an engraved headstone at a later date. If you arrive before 2:00 pm, park behind the Administration Building. At 2:00 pm, please pull into Lane 2 to be guided to the correct Pavilion area.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - Houston, Houston, TX.