Robert F. Vedder, Jr. SFC, 39, Killeen, Texas

Sgt. 1st Class, Robert Floyd Vedder, Jr, 39, went home to the Lord Monday, January 6, 2014.

Born in Saratoga Springs, Rob was the son of Robert F. Vedder, Sr. and Elizabeth Burr Vedder.

Rob loved football, his pet tarantula and action and Sci- Fi movies. Rob was raised and educated in Schenectady and was in the last class of Linton High School.

Rob entered active duty in the US Army September of 1993. He had three tours of duty in Iraq before assignment to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, TX. With more than 20 years of service, Rob has numerous awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Commendation Medals, nine Army Achievement Medals, six Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Stars, the Korean Defense Service Medal , the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three NCO Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, five Overseas Service Ribbons and a NATO Medal. He also was a dedicated member of Holloway Lodge No. 7, Downsville TX, of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and Jurisdiction Free and Accepted Masons.

In addition to his parents, Rob is survived by his sons, Dorian Benkert and Dorian’s mother, Bianca Laiji of Germany, Xavier A. Vedder of Killeen, TX and Quincy A. Vedder of Killeen, TX and their mother, Tanesha L. Hewitt; and his sister, Kytrena E. Vedder of Schenectady.

Rob was predeceased by his grandparents, Floyd and Charity Vedder and Rev. Zelma and Ruth Burr.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2014, at The Higher Ground Worship Center, 803 Stanley St., Schenectady.

he family will receive visitors Friday 4 to 8 p.m. at the Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady. Interment with full military honors will be in Evergreen Memorial Park, Schenectady.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rob’s memory to Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., PO Box 418629, Boston, MA 022418629.

To leave the family an online condolence or directions to the funeral home or church, please visit www. sbfuneralhome.com.