Robert Rader

Robert Elbert Rader was born to Elbert & Elsie (Cass) Rader on Aug 17, 1930, In Lamar, MO and passed away, October 28, 2020. He attended Anderson country school for his elementary school years. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1949. Robert began his salesmanship talent at the age of 13, by selling the hides of animals (rabbits, opossums & squirrels) that he had hunted. He had saved enough money by age 15 to purchase his first car, a Model T Ford. Robert had a mechanical mind and enjoyed working on engines of trucks, cars, and machinery. This dividend paid off many times over in his lifetime of buying and selling cars, trucks, and various pieces of farm equipment. Robert also had acquired land and became a crop farmer in the early 50's. In the winter and off days from farming, he would be seen at area farm sales and car auctions. Robert was noted for wearing his fur hat and chewing on a cigar. He always prided himself by a making a "Good Deal". Between 1950 - 1980 Robert developed a (treasure trunk) "The Junk Yard" at his home on EE Hwy, Northeast of Lamar. He had a keen memory of knowing exactly where his treasures were located, on any given day. He had the slogan printed on fountain pens that he would give away that said - "Rader's Used Machinery, You Want, We Have, or Will Find". Robert married Barbara (Roberts) Cook on May 9th, 1975. After a few years they made their home on 126 Highway near Jasper, MO. Robert crop farmed, raised farm animals (cattle, pigs, donkeys & goats), ran the Junk Yard, and in his spare time owned and operated The Dairy Boy, Chuck's Diner and Jim's Restaurant which were all located in Lamar at various times. Robert was the father of three daughters and two sons: Barba Parrish (Ron) of Lamar; Ann Ditty (Mike) of Lee’s Summit; Cyndy Johnson (Rick) of Lamar; Matt Cook (Dot) of Lamar; and Dusty Cook (Lisa) of Lamar. Robert is leaving a legacy of nine grandchildren, his youngest being Logan and Morgan Cook, and sixteen great-grandchildren along with a nephew, David Rader (Lamar), a niece Cynthia Rader Johnson (Carl Junction) and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Frank Rader. At the end of his days while in the hospital, Robert told his family that "He had a good life" but his mind was still on task, having Barbara list all of his remaining farm machinery and its value. Always Thinking! Rest In Peace Robert. A graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020, at Lake Cemetery. Robert may be viewed from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Front Parlor of the funeral home. Some of the family will be present from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Contributions are suggested and made payable to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Shriner's Hospital for Children in care of Daniel Funeral Home.