Robert Frank Tedder, Jr.

Robert Frank Tedder, Jr., 85, of Fort Smith went to be the Jesus on Wednesday, September 1, 2010. He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Jane Mills Tedder and his parents Robert F. Tedder, Sr., and Alpha Mae Tedder and a sister, Mae Tedder Turner. He was born in Plainview, Arkansas.

Robert graduated from High School in Blackwell, Oklahoma and was then drafted into the Army Air Corp. Robert served 3 years in the China Burma India Theatre in World War II. After the war he was a member of the American Legion Post 31, Fort Smith and VFW Post 8845.

Robert retired from the Frank Lyon Wholesale distributors for Whirlpool and RCA Victor after 34 years. Prior to this he was in business with his father at the Cash and Carry Food Market. Robert had also worked for Kroger Grocery.

Robert was a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, and served as a deacon, and Sunday school teacher. He had a beautiful tenor voice and was a faithful choir member, singing in both the First Baptist Church and Eastside Baptist Church Choirs. He was a volunteer at Sparks Regional Medical Center. Robert was a proud of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith and he and Chloe were early supporters the Season of Entertainment series, the Fort Smith Public Library and the Fort Smith Museum of Natural History. He was a proud citizen of Fort Smith. He also loved reading and travelling.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 4, 2010 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Forest Park Cemetery with Military Honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Robert is survived by his wife Chloe Jordan Tedder of 63 years; four sons: Dr. Michael Eric Tedder and wife Lindsey of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Stephen Mark Tedder and his companion Pam Shank of Fort Smith; Robert David Tedder and wife Debra of Dallas, Texas; Daniel Lee Tedder and wife Cindy of Battle Ground, Washington; one brother; Reverend J.C. Tedder and wife Mary Belle of Independence, Missouri; one brother-in-law; Adam Turner, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; Kimberly Tedder, Mickey Tedder, Robert Tedder, Jordan Tedder, Hudson Tedder, Sarah Tedder, Ryan Tedder, Chloe Tedder , Rachel Tedder, Luke Tedder, Amy Tedder, Andrew Tedder, and Mark Tedder; two great grandchildren: Maddox and Jake Morrison; several nieces and nephews, and two special friends Leta and Donald Taylor of Fort Smith.

Pallbearers will be Michael Tedder, Stephen Tedder, David Tedder, Daniel Tedder, Ryan Tedder and Robert Tedder.

Honorary pallbearers will be Reverend J.C. Tedder, Adam Turner.Jr., Randy McAllister, Michael Keener, Jordan Tedder, and Mickey Tedder, and members of Carl Smith’s Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.

Family will visit with friends Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home.

Robert loved God, reading the Bible and his family.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901, East Side Baptist Church 2710 South Massard, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904, or Ray Bakers Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.