Robert Edward Bourdette Sr.

Robert Edward Bourdette Sr. passed away on Sept. 14, 2007, at his home in Milan, Pa.

He was born on Feb. 2, 1914, the son of Charles and Clara Deacon Bourdette in East Smithfield, Pa. He was a graduate of East Smithfield High School. He married the former Helen Sumner in Aug. of 1935. Robert and Helen made their home in Milan, Pa. After they retired, they divided their time between their homes in Milan and Lake Wales, Fla. Robert and his wife celebrated 67 anniversaries before her death in 2002.

Robert was employed by the Ingersoll Rand Corporation in Athens for 39 years and served in several capacities. He retired in 1975. In addition, he owned and operated a lawn equipment business in Milan from 1967 until 1971.

Robert served in the United States Army with the Third Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Division from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed in Honchu, Japan.

Robert had many interests. He learned to fly small aircraft and obtained a commercial pilot's license. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling and gardening. In later years, he enjoyed growing herbs and selling his dill crop. People might remember his dill stand in the front yard of his home in Milan. He played on several baseball teams, including East Smithfield, Milan and Ingersoll Rand. He was a member of the Ingersoll Rand Rifle Team, and was in several bowling leagues. Robert was an avid golfer and a long time member of Tioga Country Club in Nichols, N.Y. and the Lake Wales Florida Country Club. He was a member of the Milan Methodist Church and served in several offices.

Robert was predeceased by his wife, Helen in 2002; a son, Robert E. Bourdette, Jr., in 2004; a granddaughter Tracey Bourdette in 1985; his parents and brothers, Harold Bourdette and (Charles) Elmer Bourdette and sister Edith Storch.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Jim Deibler of Waverly, N.Y.; son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Carol Bourdette of Lake Wales, Fla.; grandsons Gregory Deibler, Thomas Deibler and Jeffrey (Katherine) Bourdette; and great-granddaughter, Tiffany Bourdette.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at the Union Cemetery in East Smithfield, Pa. Memorials may be directed to Milan United Methodist Church (PO Box 3, Milan, Pa. 18831) or the charity of one's choice. www.loweryfuneralhome.com