Robert Donald Hostetter, 86, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Saturday, September 21, 2013. He was born in Midland, Indiana to Roy and Lula (Cole) Hostetter.

Bob grew up in Southern Indiana. He spent his youth living in a family-run boarding house for the railroad workers. His grandfather, Omar Cole, was the rail master for Monon Rails.

After graduating from Indianapolis Tech High, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1944 to 1946 aboard the destroyer, Haulsey-Powell.

He married Susan Bryden in February 1948. Robert worked for Sinclair Research in Harvey, Illinois and held a second job to support their growing family. In 1965, he changed careers and worked at Prudential as a salesman where he excelled due to his friendly personality.

Bob enjoyed golf, basketball, trains, building, and mechanics. He was a loving father and friend who will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by: his sons, Tom of Beecher, Illinois and Tim of Lake Forest, California; daughter, Joy Strasser of Sweet Home; sister, Janet Gibson of Venice, Florida; half-brother, Benard Ford of Michigan; grandchildren, Mellisa Hostetter of Illinois, Cameron Hostetter of California, Susan Fuller of Eugene, and John DeCarlo, Carson Strasser, and Colleen Strasser of Sweet Home; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Susan, in 1978; daughter, Susan, in 2001; and son-in-law, Kenny Strasser, in 2006.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 30, 2013 at Sweet Home VFW.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.