He graduated from Hermitage High School, and attended H.S. reunions until recently. Bob enlisted in the Army Reserve, and attended Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he played basketball. Bob also began basic flight training with the Air Force at the age of 21.
Nicknamed Spider Grider, Bob graduated in May 1944 as a Fighter Pilot and was assigned to the 507th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific, including 10 missions off le Shima Island, and was there when the bombs were dropped. After WWII, Bob attended Texas Christian University while serving in the Air Force Reserve. He and his wife Marian Frances Winckler Grider married in Pierre, South Dakota, on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1947.
Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree from TCU in Accounting in 1955 and soon became a CPA. He continued to serve with the Texas National Guard until resigning with the rank of Captain in 1963. Bob served his country for almost 20 years with 6½ years on active duty, flying five different airplanes, and received numerous medals. During the Korean War, Bob was asked to take Army General Matthew Ridgway up in the air in a two-seater for an hour to view several areas that were of concern.
Bob worked in Fort Worth and Dallas until relocating to Kingwood in 1975, where he was a CPA for several oil companies. Working together, Bob and Marian were successful in encouraging higher education and aspiring to attain a better life to a few special friends they came in contact with throughout their careers. Bob was very generous in doing personal tax returns for family members as well as many friends throughout his lifetime. He also co-owned Texas Container Incorporated, and later, owned a
golf driving range, where Gena had fun working with him for 2 years. Bob dearly loved to play games, and especially enjoyed playing bridge with friends from church. He had many dear friends who will miss receiving the heartfelt cards, letters and notes that he and Marian enjoyed sending, especially at Christmastime.
Golf was his passion – the more, the merrier. Bob whistled when he was happy, and he woke up with a smile on his face and a lighter step on golf days! His famous “chili-dip” jest during golf games often had everyone laughing off their frustration.
Bob was very active in the 507th Fighter Group Association in various executive positions including the group CPA. He and Marian went to many reunions of the 507th Association held for almost 50 years all around the country, and cherished their special friendships nurtured throughout the years.
Bob enjoyed his volunteer work at church each week in recent years, and was proud to be asked often to serve as ambassador at Cypress Woods Independent Living. He was a delightful conversationalist and always treated ladies with the utmost respect. His gentlemanly ways, exceptional memory and quick wit will be missed. He was truly inspiring to many throughout his life.
Bob loved to be with his family and will be greatly missed by his daughter Gena Diane and husband Paul Rea; granddaughters Michelle Rea Smith and Angela Rea Hassialis; 4 great-granddaughters Ashlyn Rea Hassialis, Juliana Rea Smith, Tatum Rose Smith and Kaleigh Grace Hassialis; two grandsons-in-law Durrell Smith and Jason Hassialis who loved and admired him; one brother, Richard Harvey Grider and wife Virginia Lehman of New York City; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his loving wife Marian of 67 years; their son, Richard Lewis Grider, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver at age 30; two sisters, Ina Belle Grider Vail and Alline Grider Payne; and one brother, Thomas Jerome Grider.
The life of Robert John Grider was celebrated at a Memorial Service held on October 18, 2016, at Holy Comforter Lutheran Church, 1901 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, Texas.
Military Honors for Robert John Grider were held October 18, 2016, at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. A tribute was held with a Rifle Salute, playing of TAPS, and Folding of Flag. Bob and Marian will be honored with an engraved government headstone that will read “Fly with the Angels”.
To view additional details and add a comment to Bob’s memorial tribute web page, please search the internet for “Neptune Society Houston”. Then click on “Website” on the right side of the screen, then scroll down and click on Bob’s name. The family will forever appreciate your commentary to Bob’s memory.
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