Robert Franklin Kreider

Robert Franklin Kreider, 97, of North Manchester, Indiana, passed away at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Peabody Healthcare.

Bob was born on August 26, 1924, in Liberty Mills, Indiana, to Shirley and Lydia (Wendel) Kreider.  He graduated from Chester High School in 1942, where he excelled in baseball, track, and basketball.  Robert served his country in WW II in the Air Corp, where he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, as a pilot in the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron of the Eighth Air Force.  He flew B-24 and B-25 bombers, but flew mostly C-46's and C- 47's.  He served in the Pacific Front completing over 100 flights in the Philippines, spending 500 days in the South Pacific.  Upon returning from WWII, he married his wartime fiancé, Bonnie Louise Ulrey of Servia, Indiana, on November 27, 1946.

Bob worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 42 years, as a city and rural mail carrier.  However, he always worked 2-3 part-time jobs as well. After carrying the mail, he would work at the Public Service Company, Baker Fence Company, Fedewa Appliances, or Mike's Standard Service.  He also drove for Shepherd's Chevrolet for over 25 years.

Bob enjoyed bowling, baseball and basketball leagues, fishing, trapping, golf, gardening, and mushroom hunting.  But MOST of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was a member of the American Legion, Izaak Walton League, and Rural Carriers Letter Association. Robert was a member of the Servia United Church of Christ/New Hope United Church of Christ, Bippus, Indiana, for over 70 years, serving over 40 years as financial secretary.

Surviving are his daughters Sue (Joe) Simmons, Westfield, Indiana, and Kay (Steve) Klotz, Logansport, Indiana.  Surviving grandchildren are Heather (Nick) Gault, Abbie (Russell) Mann, Molly (Ben) Hasser, and Bradley (Whitney) Simmons, along with 8 great- grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 74 years Bonnie (Ulrey) Kreider, by his parents, Shirley and Lydia (Wendel) Kreider, sister, Frieda Stackhouse, his brother, Wilbur Kreider, and his son-in-law Joe Simmons.

Family and friends may call Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at McKee Mortuary (1401 St. Rd. 114 W.) North Manchester, Indiana. (46962)   A celebration of life for BOTH Bonnie and Bob will follow at 3:30. Chaplain Denise Schwaberow from Heart-to-Heart Hospice, Fort Wayne, Indiana will officiate.  The service will end with a Military Tribute.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Robert F. Kreider, memorial contributions can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 7221 Engle Rd. Suite 100, Fort Wayne, Indiana. (46804) or New Hope United Church of Christ, 9160 W. 800 N., Huntington, Indiana. (46750)

The family of Robert F. Kreider has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.