Robert Frederich Schroeder

Robert Frederich Schroeder, age 83, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015, at his home with family and friends at his side. Robert was born June 29, 1932, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, to Charles Schroeder and Emma Hosto, the youngest of seven children. Robert married Darlene Authier Washabaugh, September 21, 1962, in Long Beach, CA. Darlene has two daughters, Sandra Charlene and Cynthia Jo, whom Robert eventually adopted. Robert was raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas, graduated from Weiner High School in 1950. He then enlisted in the Marine Corps in Oct. of 1950. He was a Sgt. with the 1st Marine Division in Korea and received a citation in March of 1952. He was home and reported back for reassignment on his 20th birthday. He became a competitive shooter for the Marine Corps and won several matches, both rifle and pistol.  He was an expert shooter from 0 meters to 1,000 meters.  He spent several hitches at Okinawa. He left the Marines after 13 years of service. He then became a cabinet maker, real estate agent, North American Aerospace, toy designer for Mattel Toys for 20 years, and then retired and moved to Central, Utah. He and Darlene then spent almost 30 years doing what they liked most; hunting, fishing, camping, and just spending time together. Robert was an amazing Master Gunsmith, designing beautiful and unique rifles and pistols. He had a fascination with creating wildcat and new calibers, crafting customized stocks, and bringing the old back to life.  His passion for shooting, and the outdoors in general, was passed on to his grandchildren every chance he got.  He especially enjoyed the times when his family, in particular his grandchildren, came to visit as he was able to share with them the things he liked to do. Robert was a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Elks, and Dixie Desperados, a single-action shooting group. He and Gordon Poppit taught hunter safety classes to students at Enterprise High School. Robert was an avid reader and loved to share his knowledge of history and politics with anyone who would listen. Robert is survived by: Darlene Authier Schroeder, Central, Utah; daughters Sandi Cochrell, Copperas Cove, TX, and Cynthia Romero, Stanton, CA; nephews; John Sherberth, twins James and Jerry Lewis; grandchildren; Jon and Melissa Orman, Copperas Cove, TX, Shawn and Courtney Cochrell, Flower Mound, TX; and Natasha (Romero) and Jose Olmos Stanton, CA; great-grandchildren; Robert and Sadie Orman, Copperas Cove, TX; Kai and Julian Olmos, Stanton, CA; and Colin Cochrell, Flower Mound, TX. Robert is preceded in death by: his parents, Charles and Emma Schroeder; sisters; Alma Sherberth, Vera Lewis, and Pearl Lou; brothers; Harvey Schroeder, Leo Schroeder, and Raymond Schroeder. Family viewing was held at Heideman Hughes Mortuary, St. George, Utah, August 18,, 2015, with full military honors presented by the Marine Corps League of St. George, Utah. Dear Bob, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa: Thank you sharing your life with us. We will miss you and we love you. Arrangements are under the direction of Neptune Society and Hughes Mortuary (435) 674-5000