Robert Redner

Port Leyden- Robert "Bob" Redner, 82, a long time resident of the Wildcat Road, husband of LaVerne, passed away at his residence on Monday, June 11, 2012, while under the loving care of his family and Lewis Co. Hospice. Robert was born on November 3, 1929, in Midvail, NJ, a son of George "Dewey" and Bessie Hardy Redner, where he grew up until age 10, when he moved to the Port Leyden area. Bob received his education at Port Leyden Central School, later beginning his employment at Gould Paper Co. Lyons Falls. In 1952, Mr. Redner entered the U.S. Army, where he served his country as a Stevedore in ship cargo movement for 624th Transport Co., stationed in Okinawa, during the Korean Conflict. When one of his officers discovered Bob's musical talents, the officer engaged Mr. Redner in entertaining the army staff and civilians who were aboard the ships destined for Korea, by playing his harmonica with the ship's band. He was honorably discharged with the rank of PFC, on Jan. 20, 1954. After that Mr. Redner returned to Port Leyden, where he continued his employment at Georgia Pacific Paper Co., retiring from Lyons Falls Pulp and Paper Co. after 44 years of service in paper making. On July 21, 1951, Robert was united in marriage with LaVerne F. Buck, in Port Leyden. This was a loving union that endured for over 60 years. Bob enjoyed music and was talented at and loved playing the harmonica, guitar, accordion, drums, singing and he loved entertaining a crowd. He played in the Turin Drum & Bugle Corp, and entertained the Port Leyden Senior Citizens. He also enjoyed the outdoors, walking and gardening. Bob greatly loved his wife, LaVerne, his children and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son and daughter in law, Robert D. and Lynda Redner, Willow Springs, NC; three daughters Jackie Lynn and Steve Houghton, Loris, SC, Bette Lou Redner and her companion, Dan Yost, Lowville, and Jill Marie and Jin YE, Utica; fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. He was predeceased by three sisters: Marie Visser, Dorothy Aldrich, and Betty Lou VanBuskirk and by a brother, Jimmy Redner. A graveside service will be held privately on Thursday, at Port Leyden Cemetery, where members of Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW and Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville, will render military rites. In keeping with his wishes there are no public calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Lewis Co. Hospice, Inc. P.O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.