Robert Clarke Legler

Bob was born on May 2, 1943, in Larchmont, New York, to parents Henry Maxum and Frances Tyler Legler. He is survived by his sister Joanne Legler Newcomb and preceded in death by brothers Ross and Hank Legler.

Bob left home at 14 to attend The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where he participated on both football and baseball teams. After commencement there, he headed south to Florida and began his college career at Rollins College in Winter Park.

Following graduation, Bob moved to Fort Lauderdale where he met and married (Alma) Anita Pope. Anita caught his eye one afternoon and after a short courtship the two were married. During their 53 years together, they welcomed son Robert Clarke Legler, Jr.(Erin), known as Flanker, and daughter Holly Rawlins Legler Cortes (Steve). They shared many wonderful memories as a family, however their most significant was being led to faith by Evangelism Explosion at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. They continued to grow in their faith throughout their lives helping fund church plants, serving on the board of Ligonier Ministries, attending St Andrew’s Chapel, hosting Bible studies in their homes and taking classes at Reformed Bible College. Although they had many worldly successes as a couple, they believed their Christian faith was the most important part of their lives.

In 1973 Bob along with his father created First Marketing Corporation in Fort Lauderdale and the startup business flourished to become the largest newsletter publishing company in the world. With the passing of his father, Bob led the fledgling industry as its President, utilizing opening channels of communication, a productive working atmosphere and overall integrity. This formula led to such growth in staff and revenue that it earned the attention of investors and so, in 1993, Bob agreed to sell the company to British firm Reed Elsevier. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors for First Marketing for several years. Bob continued to serve his community as well with Board positions for varying terms for Ligonier Ministeries, The Ethel Walker School, and National Retail Properties where he served as Chairman.

Bob was devoted to his seven grandchildren: Kingsley, Walker, Chase, Gracie, Elisabeth, Bear and Blake. He spent countless hours at the Rolling Rock Club fishing stream with his grandson, wrote creative tales of the Big Black Bear to fill their camp mailboxes and he encouraged them to build savings accounts by creating the GrandBob Match, dollar for dollar. He shared many memories of his life with them, but his greatest desire was that they know and love Jesus.

Bob also enjoyed past times such as bridge, golf, fly fishing and hunting. He was an avid reader of theology and never went a day without completing a crossword puzzle. He was an active member of St. Andrew’s Chapel and will be laid to rest in its cemetery. Bob’s work on earth is now done and he stands before his Savior redeemed, restored and reunited. He was loved by his wife and family, and he knew it. While we grieve the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, we look forward to one day seeing him again.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy, in lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Ligonier Ministries, Reformed Bible College and/or St. Andrews Chapel (Sanford, Florida).