Robert (Bob) Allan Sadler, Jr., 72, of Marietta was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday evening, September 25, 2026, after a 7-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Bob was born November 1, 1953, in Parkersburg, WV, a son of the late Robert and Eloise Sadler.
Bob graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1971. He attended Parkersburg Community College and graduated from Glenville State College with a degree in Elementary Education. He later obtained his master’s degree and principal licensure through West Virginia University. He began his teaching career as a 5th grade teacher at Lubeck Elementary in 1980. Over the years, Bob taught 5th grade at Park, Jefferson, Franklin, and Criss elementary schools. Bob taught with an emphasis on practical application of what the children were learning. He also encouraged students to help out in school by keeping things neat and in order. Bob was strict but fair and enjoyed seeing his students succeed in life. Bob was also an assistant principal at Jefferson Elementary and the principal at Emerson Elementary.
Bob accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as an elementary child. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Vienna, where he attended the Conquerors Sunday School class. He was bold in sharing his faith with others, often asking “Do you know Jesus as your Savior?” and then inviting them to church if they did not have a church home. Bob was involved in the children’s ministry, serving alongside his wife and often created items to enhance the children’s understanding of the Gospel. Bob also enjoyed writing letters to the editor of the News and Sentinel, with his love of God and his country providing the framework of his message.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharlene Owens Sadler. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Samuel Christian Sadler; sister, Sandra Jacobsson; sister-in-law, Darlene Roberts; brother-in-law, William Jacobsson; and father-in-law, Paul Hunter.
Bob is survived by his wife of 21 years, Brenda (Hunter) Sadler; brother-in-law, Richard (Donna) Hunter; sister-in-law, Tona (Roger) Heft; nephews, Joshua Sadler, Matthew Sadler, Timothy (Megan) Jacobsson, Peter Jacobsson, Michael (Lauren) Hunter, Steven (Sarah) Hunter, William (Katie) Heft, and Nathan Heft; and nieces Sarah Jacobsson-Purewall (Ron) and Hannah (Ray) Tiell.
2026 brought an unexpected journey of cancer into Bob’s life, and he traveled through several procedures which brought him into contact with many amazing people. At various times, whenever Bob needed someone to encourage him, God provided fellow believers to strengthen and minister to him. Bob was so thankful for the care he received at WVU Camden Clark and Marietta Memorial Hospital and, most recently, Cawley Hospice. We are so blessed that God provided a special nurse, Danielle, whose compassionate care helped him transition to his heavenly home. We are also grateful for the faithful presence, support and love shown by special friends Charles, Doug, Linda and Mariann.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church building fund or Child Evangelism Fellowship of the Little Kanawha Valley. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Wednesday at the Leavitt Funeral Home, Belpre, with Pastor Brian Leversee officiating. Burial will follow at Rockland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
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