Robert Lester Dendinger

Marion - When I looked at the obituaries today, my name was there, so I guess I checked out. I'll give my own obituary so that the facts are straight.

I was born in Marion on April 24, 1942, to Deus and Lucille (Rinehart) Dendinger. Word has it they're considering making the day a national holiday. My older brother Ed and I had a typical childhood in those carefree days of the forties and fifties. I attended Catholic schools, graduating from Marion Catholic high school in 1960.

After that, I went on to the Marion branch of The Ohio State University. It was there that I met Betty Bush, who would change my life forever. I like to say, "I chased her until she caught me," just to see her get riled up. In June 1964, I graduated from OSU with a degree in education. That fall I started teaching at Marion Catholic for three years. In the meantime, Betty graduated, and we got married on June 25, 1966. The old ball and chain was a real comfortable fit.

I followed Betty to Pleasant Schools, and a new home was established. We were completely immersed in Pleasant. When our boys came along, they were students there too. I taught high school history and government for seven years before becoming junior high principal and then high school principal. After retiring from Pleasant, I was principal at St. Mary's Elementary for four years.

I enjoyed my life to the fullest. Camping and traveling were our favorite activities. With our summers free and camping so inexpensive (yes, I can hear those who knew me saying cheap), we saw all of the continental U.S. We also spent hours on our boat at Delaware State Park. Other than that, I just kicked back and relaxed. I'm good at that.

The statistics: Besides my parents and brother Ed, I'm proceeded in death by my grandson Ethan. I'm really looking forward to seeing him. I'm survived by my wife Betty and my sons Matthew (Ronda) and Nathan (Krista) plus three grandchildren, Hannah, Emma, and Jacob.

Though I'll be cremated, I'd like to name the many great teachers I encountered as honorary pallbearers. They carried me for years, so it's only proper they carry me now.

There will be visitation from 1:00 to 4:00 on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel. A private ceremony afterward will be for family only.

Keep an eye out in the paper for the date and time of a wake where you can tell lies about me. It's been fun. Carry on.

Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel is honored to serve Bob's family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.

Posted online on December 24, 2021

Published in Marion StarRobert Lester Dendinger