Robert E. “Bob” McElroy, 89, of Bruin and Mt. Dora, Florida, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013, at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida, following a brief illness.

Robert was born in Kaylor, Bradys Bend Twp., Armstrong County on May 22, 1923. He was the son of John H. and Florence Lanterman McElroy.

Bob was a life member of Argyle Lodge #540 F&AM of Chicora and The Consistory Scottish Rite Valley of New Castle. He served as a technical sergeant in the United States Army during World War II, earning a good conduct medal, two bronze stars, and a victory medal. He was a long-time member of the Karns City United Methodist Church. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing.

He retired from Armco Steel in Butler following 35 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Murray Hughes McElroy, whom he married in 1976 at the Karns City United Methodist Church. Also surviving are three daughters, Cynthia Allen and her husband, James, and Linda DeCola and her husband, Daniel, all of Chicora, Rebecca Knox of Butler; a son, Robert B. McElroy and his wife, Tammy, of Chicora; two step-daughters, Kimberly Lorts and her husband, Buck, of Oregon, Pamela Barlett and her husband, Allen, of Bruin; nine grandchildren, Amber, Matthew, Daniel, Elysha, Joshua, Kayleigh, Nicole, Stephanie, and Tiffany; four step grandchildren, Jonathan, Jennifer, Cody, and Breanna; and three great grandchildren, Kate, Audrey, and Kinley; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Sherwin McElroy, whom he married on October 9, 1946. She passed away November 24, 1973. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen S. Wiles, and a brother, Dale E. McElroy.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora, from 2 — 4 and 7 — 9 p.m. Friday. A funeral service will be held from the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Wade Berkey, pastor of the Karns City United Methodist Churchand the Rev. Alison Fisher, pastor of Faith Community United Methodist Church, Bruin, officiating. Military honors accorded by The American Legion posts of Chicora and Bradys Bend and the VFW post of Chicora will follow. Interment will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.