Robert Lloyd "Bob" Bredin

Robert (Bob) Bredin was born on August 17, 1934, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Howard Henry Bredin and Marie VanMaastricht. He was a proud graduate of Muskegon Heights High School and Muskegon Community College. Committed to lifelong learning, Bob furthered his education at the University of Michigan, earned his master's degree from Western Michigan University, and completed his doctorate at the University of Missouri-Columbia. From a young age, Bob was passionate about baseball, dreaming of making it big as a catcher. Unfortunately, multiple knee injuries ended those dreams. Though he considered serving as a Pastor, his path shifted when medical reasons prevented military service. Committed to serving others, Bob chose education as his calling, beginning as a teacher and soon advancing to his first leadership role as Principal of Mark Twain Elementary School, Frazier Public School District, Roseville, Michigan. In 1965, Bob embraced a new chapter by moving to Webster Groves, Missouri, where he became the principal of Conway Elementary School in Ladue, Missouri. For 30 years, he dedicated himself to nurturing both students and teachers at Conway, inspiring them to grow into the best versions of themselves. Bob's educational philosophy was anchored in innovative, inquiry-based learning that placed students at the center of the educational experience. He believed in fostering vibrant classrooms where student voices shaped the journey of learning and where teachers were empowered to adapt their methods-creating responsive, engaging environments that honored each learner's unique path. On August 25, 1956, Bob married the love of his life, Lois Ellen Commer. Their story began aboard the Milwaukee Clipper, where a brief conversation was all it took for Bob to know that Lois would one day be his bride. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion, and were proud parents to their daughters, Cheryl and Robyn. While attending the University of Michigan, Bob was a proud and active member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. A passionate sports enthusiast, he never missed a chance to cheer on his Wolverines with a spirited "Go Blue!" During his years in Missouri, he became a devoted St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Bob was a dedicated Rotarian for over 50 years, beginning his journey with the Rotary Club in Webster Groves, Missouri. There, he served on the Board of Directors for many years, including a term as Club President. After retiring and finding the icy winters of St. Louis less than agreeable, Bob relocated to The Villages, Florida, where he enjoyed 18 vibrant years. In Florida, Bob continued his Rotary involvement with the Rotary Club of The Villages Noon, again serving on the Board of Directors for many years. He was deeply passionate about Rotary's commitment to children's programs, championing several initiatives focused on reading and parental involvement-programs he not only supported but personally led with great enthusiasm. Bob was the last member of his immediate family to pass on. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois, (1991), his parents, two brothers, one sister, and their spouses. He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Cheryl Henleben (Mike) of Clermont, Florida, and Robyn Bredin of Rock Hill, Missouri; his grandchildren Amanda Kicklighter (David) of Groveland, Florida; Andrew Henleben (Jillian) of Roswell, Georgia; Jazmin Silvestre (Elvin) of Rock Hill, Missouri; and his great-grandchildren Pheiffer Jo Henleben, Holiday Paulette Henleben, and Leines Litzeidy Silvestre Morales; and many beloved extended family members. Celebrations of Life will be held October 11th at 1:00pm at Trinity Springs, 12120 County Road 103, Oxford, FL, and October 28th at 6:30pm at Conway Elementary School, 9900 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to the RCTVN Foundation, PO Box 152, Lady Lake, FL 32158. Please include a note indicating "Dr. Bob Bredin Memorial Scholarship" with your gift. The scholarship funds will support elementary school reading literacy programs for students in Sumter County, Florida, as well as assist students at Lake Technical College who need financial support to complete their studies or GED's to start their career paths.