Oscar Rader, Jr.

Oscar Daniel Rader, Jr., 85, of Elgin, went to be with his Lord and his loved ones, who preceded him, on Thursday, March 18, 2021.  He was born to Oscar Daniel Rader and Nan Virginia Rector Rader, on October 3, 1935, in Dale, Texas.

In his early life, he was a dedicated barber but most of his life he spent in retail grocery.  Many people remember him from his career at Williams Red & White Grocery and Super S Foods in Elgin, where he was esteemed for his efficiency and customer service; and even earned an award as a team leader.

Oscar served his Country Honorably in United States Army, where he spent time in Germany and then reenlisted in the National Guard, and served until he was mandated to retire, after 23 years as an E-5 Sergeant, due to his age.  If it were up to Oscar, he would have continued to serve until his passing.  Although proud of his military career, he did not boast nor talk much about it, so many people were always surprised to learn he was a veteran.

Oscar loved playing board games, especially Monopoly with his grandsons.  Music was important to him and many times when you knocked on his door, he would not answer because he didn't hear with the music turned up loud.  He was an avid reader with an extensive library and had read the Bible completely through numerous times.  He was a history buff and loved to tell stories about the old timers, the Old West, and Bonnie & Clyde.

Oscar had a good heart, was kind to others, and always extremely grateful to anyone who did something for him.  Oscar loved to respond to inquiries about how he was doing by saying “I'm doing quite EXCELLENT!”

Oscar was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his daughters, Beverly; his second wife, Gladys Mary; both his parents, Oscar Daniel “Bill” Rader and Nan Virginia Rader; his stepmother, Elaine Harris Rader; his sister, Virginia May Meredith.

Oscar is survived by his daughters, Beverly Louise Turner, Tina Marie Leal of Bastrop, and DeeAnn Rader-Fagins of Austin; his stepdaughter, Glenda Jane Turner; his siblings, James T. Rader and significant other Shirley of Fremont of Ohio and Samuel R. Rader and wife Beth of Needville; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of dear friends and neighbors, especially those at Elgin Meadow Park Glen Apartments; his church family at First Christian Church; and all the doctors, nurses, hospitals, home healthcare workers, and nursing home personnel who took such good care of him during the past few years.

He will lie in state at the Elgin Funeral Home, Friday, March 26th from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM.  The family will receive guests at the Elgin Funeral Home, Saturday, March 27th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, prior to Funeral Service at 1:00 PM with the Reverend, Ronnie Gregory presiding.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at Elgin Cemetery.