William Shrader Sr.

He was a Swedesboro guy and a patriot. Bill graduated from Swedes High in 1951 and with the Korean War raging joined the Navy. He was 17. When his wife was diagnosed with Polio the Navy brought him back stateside, but only as far as Texas. He had to thumb it back to New Jersey. He finished his time at the Philadelphia Naval Base, settled in Swedesboro, produced a family and worked at Monsanto Chemical until retiring. Any spare time found him getting back to nature, hunting, and camping with his family. Apples don’t fall far from trees; his children and grandchildren all share a love for fishing. Bill was a member of the Romeo club. Though they’re all suave and debonair, it really stands for Retired Old Men Eating Out.
Bill was a “jack of all trades” and did many side jobs. He could repair electrical problems, roof, fix oil burners, be a tinsmith or carpenter. He was civic minded: served on Swedesboro Council (’72-’75), was active in the Woolwich Fire Co., Lions Club, America Legion, and served the Lord at Bethesda United Methodist Church.
A chance meeting in a National Park ice cream shop led to a 62 year union between Bill and Doris. They were blessed with a son, William Jr. (Trisha), and 3 daughters: Cheryl (Gerry) Michael, Debra (Charles) Weil, and Vicki (Henry) Jones, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Bill is also survived by sisters; Helen Gage and Ella Mae Buechler and was predeceased by a brother, Melvin Shrader, Jr.
Come celebrate 80 great years Monday 6 to 8 pm at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro and Tuesday from 10 am at Bethesda UM Church where the service will be at 11am. Burial Eglington Cemetery.
Donations to Bethesda U.M. Church Memorial Fund, 1435 Kings Highway, Swedesboro 08085 will be appreciated. Tell a great story of Bill at lifecelebrationstudio.com –