Donald Schrader

SCHRADER, Donald E. passed away August 2, 2008. Mr. Schrader was the High School record-holder in the 100-yard dash as a 16-year old student at Lansdale High School in Lansdale, PA. Mr. Schrader as a high-school senior participated in the Penn Relays, where he competed with some of America's finest track athletes. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17; underwent intensive training in radar technology at the University of Chicago, Princeton University, New York University and the Naval Gun Factory. In preparation for the invasion of Guam, underwent Marine boot camp, thereby making him a hybrid of a US Navy ensign and a US Marine. Subsequently installed the radar on Guam island for the final invasion by the US in the Pacific theatre in WWII. At war's end qualified for a full scholarship in mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania where he was immediately placed in the Ph.D. doctoral program as a freshman and ultimately invited to meet Albert Einstein. While carrying a full academic schedule, he worked full-time as a machinist and apprentice tool-and-die maker. Later, he became instructor of mechanical engineering at Drexel Institute in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Schrader invented the first relay-based coffee vending machine in 1952, while working at Central Automatic Sprinkler Company. He moved on to be the southwest sales representative of Daffin Manufacturing from 1956 – 1964 where he marketed mobile milling equipment. After that he was employed as the general sales manager of Southern Equipment Company, also manufacturers of milling equipment. His final company position was with Nashville Wire Products, where he functioned as Vice President and General Manager until his retirement at the age of 72. At Nashville Wire Products Mr. Schrader established the Material Handling division, where he manufactured collapsible wire containers and wire decking systems that he invented and patented. Provided automated storage and retrieval systems to General Motors, Nissan, Wal-Mart and many other companies. Mr. Schrader was president of the Material Handling Institute and a certified member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. For more than 45 years Mr. Schrader was a member of Richland Country Club, where he enjoyed both golf and swimming. As avid hunter and fly fisherman, Mr. Schrader hand loaded all high caliber ammunition for deer and elk hunting in Colorado. He currently holds two state records for trophy elk in Colorado and has long been respected as both a fine long-distance marksman and an ethical hunter. Mr. Schrader was a member of Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, Sierra Club and several other hunting and fishing organizations and environmental protection groups. He died quietly and comfortably at 5:15 a.m. Saturday morning in the loving presence of his wife and children. As he was passing on, he was constantly reassured that he was loved and respected by both family and friends, and that he was moving on to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Mr. Schrader is survived by his wife of 65 years and best friend for more than 80 years, his son Dennis Schrader of Japan, his daughter Diane Hill, his son-in-law Robert Hill of Sutton, VT, and his brothers Robert Schrader of Florida and Lawrence Schrader of Pennsylvania. For many years Mr. Schrader was a member and Church Elder of Woodmont Presbyterian Church. Upon the retirement of Pastor Ebel of Woodmont Presbyterian Church, he joined the Temple Bible Class of Park Ave. Baptist Church. Services will be held Wednesday August 6, 2008 at 12:00 noon in the chapel at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be close friends and business associates. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m., with services conducted by Dr. Frank Ebel, Jr., Dr. David Werner, and Dr. Bob Mowrey. HARPETH HILLS FUNERAL HOME, 9090 HWY 100, 646-9292