Robert Edison Corder II

Robert Edison Corder II (Bob), of Alba, died on April 23, 2022, at the age of 85 following a brief illness.

Bob was born on Feb. 21, 1937, in Dallas, Texas to the late Robert Edison Corder and Mamie Theta “Peggy” Hall Corder.  He inherited a sharp mind, and early in his life he developed a keen interest in all things mechanical. After graduating high school from Woodrow Wilson in Dallas, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country proudly for three years, including a tour in Vietnam. Upon his return, he attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he studied electrical engineering and earned a master’s degree.

He lived for most of his adult life and raised his family in Garland, Texas. His professional life was in the public utility industry where he worked for Texas Power & Light and later served as director of electric utilities for Garland Power & Light. He retired in 1995 to Alba, Texas, but maintained many steadfast friendships with several of the men with whom he worked throughout his career.

Bob was a modern-day renaissance man, and his sharp engineering mind, unmatchable memory, and broad interest in everything from physics and nature to history usually made him the smartest man in the room. He generously applied his talent to developing solutions to problems, and was literally able to fix just about anything, whether it be electrical, auto, plumbing or construction. He freely shared his talents with his friends and family, often leading building projects and offering answers for small or complex problems.

Bob was a quintessential Texan and an extremely proud veteran who applied his loyalty to military service into active participation within VFW Post 7523 in Mineola, where he served for many years as the Post’s quartermaster. He was also a proud member of Shriners International, helped establish the Garland (Tx.) Bass Club and was a 32^nd Degree Freemason. He enjoyed hunting and bass fishing throughout northern Texas and Oklahoma, loved the many stray dogs that he adopted, and lived to tinker on cars with his friends in his workshop. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Corder and Peggy Corder; his first wife, Thelma Lou Campbell Corder; and second wife, Patricia Faye Schlebach Corder.

Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Glenn Corder and wife Julie of Dallas, and Lisa Beaudo and husband Daren of Alba; two stepchildren, Jim Schlebach and wife Vanessa of Houston, and Debbie Sartorius and husband Craig Arny of Magnolia; three grandchildren, Dennis Beaudo and wife Bailey, Douglas Beaudo, and Michael Beaudo; and several extended family and friends.

He will be laid to rest with military honors at the DFW National Cemetery.

A memorial service celebrating his life and service to his country will be held on Saturday, May 21 beginning at 1 p.m. at VFW Post 7523 located at 671 W Broad St. in Mineola, Texas. A meal will be served afterward.