Nov. 30, 1926 – Sept. 21, 2013
Robert Donald Hostetter, 86, of Sweet Home died Sept. 21, 2013.
He was born Nov. 30, 1926 in Midland, Ind. to Roy and Lula (Cole) Hostetter.
He grew up in Southern Indiana. He spent his youth living in a family-run boarding house for the rail road workers. His grandfather, Omar Cole, was the rail master for Monon Rails.
After graduating from Indianapolis Tech High, Mr. Hostetter enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1944 to 1946 aboard the destroyer Haulsey-Powell. He married Susan Bryden in February 1948.
Mr. Hostetter worked for Sinclair Research in Harvey, Ill. and held a second job to support his growing family. In 1965 he changed careers and worked at Prudential as a salesman, where he excelled due to his friendly personality.
He enjoyed golf, basketball, trains, building and mechanics. He was a loving father and friend who will be greatly missed.
Mr. Hostetter is survived by his sons Tom of Beecher, Ill. and Tim of Lake Forest Calif.; daughter Joy Strasser of Sweet Home; sister Janet Gibson of Venice, Fla;. half brother Benard Ford of Michigan; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, in 1978; daughter, Susan, in 2001 and son-in-law, Kenny Strasser, in 2006.
A memorial service was held Sept. 30 at Sweet Home VFW.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.