William Robert Shrader

William Robert “Bill” Shrader

September 19, 1936 – April 5, 2026

It is with deep sadness that the family of William Robert “Bill” Shrader announces his passing on Easter morning,  April 5, 2026, at the age of 89 in Medford, Oregon.

Bill was born on September 19, 1936, in Pasadena, California, to Robert Clarence Shrader and Garnett Elizabeth Nobling. He was

raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, where he graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1954.

As a young man, Bill spent summers working as a commercial fisherman alongside his father in Crescent City, California. It was

there, watching Coast Guard ships along the coastline, that he was inspired to join the United States Coast Guard.

Bill proudly served 22 years in the United States Coast Guard, where he became an electronics engineer and spent considerable

time at sea aboard several ships, including the Spencer, Dexter, and Sweetbriar. He was stationed in Arctic and subarctic regions

including Baffin Island and the Pribilof Islands, and served at numerous American embassies including Washington, D.C., London,

England, and Juneau, Alaska. During his military career, he helped oversee LORAN (Long Range Aid to Navigation) systems

throughout the South Pacific, Europe, and North America. His service took him around the world. During his travels, he met Judith

Elizabeth Armstrong in Prince Rupert, Canada. They were married on February 7, 1958, in Eagle Rock, California.

At the age of 14, Bill discovered a lifelong passion for Ham radio. He built his first radio and earned his amateur radio call sign,

W7QMU—a passion he carried throughout his life. He was also actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle

Scout and later serving as a Scoutmaster in the Philippines. He attended World Jamborees, where he had the unique honor of

meeting the Japanese Crown Prince.

In 1975, Bill retired from the Coast Guard as a Lieutenant and returned to Oregon with his family. He went on to build a second

career using his expertise in electronics, working at a local Ham radio store and in television broadcasting, including many valued

years at KOBI-TV.

Bill was deeply committed to service and community throughout his life. He joined the Freemasons in the 1960s and remained

actively involved in the brotherhood throughout his life. As a Shriner, he brought joy to many—dressing as a clown or Keystone

Cop in parades during his younger years, and in later years continuing to participate, often braving the elements while riding on

Shriners floats. He and Judith were also proud twenty-five-year members of Friendship Force of Southern Oregon, forming lasting

friendships around the world.

Bill and Judith shared 67 years of marriage. Together they experienced a lifetime of adventure, including the heartbreak of losing

their home in the devastating Alameda Fire in Southern Oregon in September 2020—a loss they faced with resilience and strength.

He is survived by his children: Karen Sue Shrader; Terry Michael Shrader; Pamela Anne Shrader; Sherri Lynn Shrader (Kent,

son-in-law); and William Robert (Rob) Shrader Jr. (Robbie, daughter-in-law).

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michael Caldwell, Jonathon Caldwell, Lindsay Caldwell, and Brant Fleetwood; and

great-grandchildren: Bryton Fleetwood, Brayden Fleetwood, Brody Fleetwood, and Jessalyn Caldwell.

Bill is further survived by his sister, Bonnie Parsons; sister-in-law, Wendy Desautels; and brother-in-law, Chuck Armstrong (Elaine).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Elizabeth Armstrong Shrader, who passed on May 3, 2025; his father, Robert

Clarence Shrader; stepmother, Virginia Shrader; his mother, Garnett Elizabeth Nobling; and his sister, Beverly Siahaya.

Bill will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to his country, his curiosity and technical mind, and his lifelong

commitment to community and friendship.

See service details below.

Please share a memory of William in his guestbook.