Cordray

Robert C. Cordray II, aka “Bob,” “Corky,” passed away suddenly Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born May 19, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert and Mary Aleen Cordray, he grew up in Middletown, Ohio and Mount Carmel, Ind., where his grandparents had a farm.

He was a member of his high school band, Junior Achievement and DeMolay. A graduate of Miami of Ohio, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Miami for graduate school. While there, he met his wife-to-be, Betty Lou Tanis, of Chicago, also a grad student.

He moved to Butler, in 1973, to work as apprentice coordinator at Armco Steel and rose to corporate director of benefits and pensions at his retirement. He briefly worked for Highmark before leaving to form The Development Group with a close friend. He retired finally in 2016.

Bob served in the Marine Corps Reserve and was a member and president of Meridian Volunteer Fire Company, as well as a member of the Meridian Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder and deacon. He was also a member of the Meridian Vets Club, the American Legion, High Gain Stock Club and several sportsman’s clubs.

His hobbies were passions, and included woodworking, old tractors, fishing, collecting die cast vehicles, winemaking, pistol shooting and staying in touch with friends, old and new.

Besides his wife of 52 years; he is survived by three sons, Rob (Andrea), of Fairfax Station, Va., Alan (Andrea) of Stafford, Va., and Brad (Stacey), of Butler; and his grandsons, Maddox, Alex, Jackson, Asher, Anson and Joshua.

CORDRAY — A gathering of friends and celebration of life for Robert C. “Bob” Cordray II, who died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, will be held a later date, to be determined by the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler.

All who knew Bob are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.