Robert Strong

Robert Dean Strong, 77, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, April 1, 2012, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 19, 1934, in Belleville, Ill., to Willis E. and Marie Lemmon Strong. He and Mary E. Dolan were married June 18, 1983, at St. Charles, Ill.

Robert was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Air Force as a radar specialist.

Mr. Strong was owner/operator of an insulation and sleeving distributorship in Chicago, retiring in 1986. He moved to Theodosia, Mo., and was the owner/operator of Strong's Ace Hardware from 1988 to 1995. He moved to Cape Girardeau in 1995.

He was a member of the Baptist faith and lifetime member of VFW Post 3838.

Survivors include his wife, Mary E. Strong of Cape Girardeau; daughters Jody Nelson of Phoenix and Jennifer Haley of Cape Girardeau; sons Mark E. Strong of Albuquerque, N.M., and Charles R. Strong of Key Largo, Fla.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Willis Strong.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.