Robert (Bob) Louis Challender, Sr.

Robert Louis Challender Sr. (Bob) -age 74 of Maryville TN, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Rose Challender; brother, Kenneth Taylor; father-in-law, Norman Conley; and granddaughter, Una Grace Donnelly. Born on February 25, 1944, Bob grew up in Burlington, New Jersey, and graduated from Burlington City High School, Class of 1962. He married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Conley on September 11, 1965 and they recently celebrated their 53rd Anniversary. He was a trained machinist and jet engine mechanic and proudly served as a Staff Sargent in the United State Air Force from 1966 to 1970. Bob was formally trained and excelled in many vocational fields, including automotive mechanics, furniture restoration and upholstery, and most recently before his retirement, a waste water operator/engineer. Robert retired from the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency (TRDA) in 2015. As in his professional life, Bob had a diverse set of pastimes, including fishing, camping, cooking, and woodworking. There was nothing Robert could not design, build, repair, or restore. An avid reader, Bob continued developing new skills his whole life - whether it was learning Italian, new cooking techniques, or studying about the Civil War. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Challender; children, Robert L. Challender Jr. and wife Diane; Richard Challender, and Renee Key; grandchildren, Jessica Challender, Damien Key, Robert Challender, and Eva Challender; great grandson, Avery Key; brother, Clarence C. Challender; mother-in-law, Helen Conley, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Burlington, New Jersey.