ForeverMissed
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Robert McElvaine, 84, of Blackwood passed away on 7/8/2020 with family by his side.  Bob was born on 8/13/1935 in Freehold, NJ.  He grew up in that area and graduated from Freehold High School in 1953.

Two years later he married Frances Stanley and they raised their family in the East Windsor area.  In later years they lived in South Carolina before returning home to New Jersey.

Bob was a car enthusiast.  He worked in the auto industry for many years. He owned Hightstown Auto Supply in the 1960s and 70s and later used his gift of gab as a car salesman.  One of his favorite jobs was as a bus driver.  He drove a school bus for Burlington County and later drove the church bus for the senior citizen trips.  He always had a joke ready and the bus gave him a captive audience. 

Living in East Windsor put him at the Speedway just about every weekend.  He passed this love of racing on to his son, Kevin. They would travel all over to watch races.  

A longstanding Elder of the church, Bob also loved volunteering in church activities with Fran. They taught Sunday School, ran a puppet ministry and volunteered for years at a soup kitchen.  They were especially proud of their time with the Southern Baptist Disaster Unit where they served first responders near Ground Zero after the September 11th attacks.

Bob is predeceased by his wife, Fran. He spent the last six years of his life as her caregiver in her battle with dementia.  During those years if you asked him how he was doing, his answer was always "Fran-tastic."  He was so dedicated to her that he survived her by only 99 days.

Bob was also predeceased by his parents, Raymond & Leda (Rogers), brothers, Raymond, Donald & Jack, and granddaughter, Haley Kornegay. Bob is survived by his children, Stephen (Jo Ann) McElvaine, Bryan (Ranae) McElvaine, Kevin (Trudie) McElvaine, Marie (Marc) Ondy, and Colleen McElvaine, nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, sister-in- law, Doris McElvaine, brother-in-law Howard Austin, brother-in-law Lou Stanley and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob’s ashes will be interred along with Fran at Old Tennent Church, where he and Fran were married 65 years ago. A joint memorial service for Bob and Fran will be held sometime in the future.

Fertig Funeral Home


Tributes

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Colleen McELvaine
July 25, 2020
July 25, 2020
It was hard to say goodbye dad. I'm so grateful you and I had a chance to spend a month together before you had to go. I still see you in your fancy lounge chair watching our judge shows, Fox news and Nascar. You were always there for me, I could pick up the phone and get instant advice on any random topic and you were usually right even if I wasn't so sure. Thank you for taking care of mom, you did such a good job, even though you got tired you showed tremendous patience and faith. I will forever remember your example in challenging times. Your love of God,family and country was evident in your life and you taught me to be respectful, responsible and to forgive the best I can. Thank you dad, now you can finally rest and be with mom and all our dear loved ones.

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Colleen McELvaine
July 25, 2020
July 25, 2020
It was hard to say goodbye dad. I'm so grateful you and I had a chance to spend a month together before you had to go. I still see you in your fancy lounge chair watching our judge shows, Fox news and Nascar. You were always there for me, I could pick up the phone and get instant advice on any random topic and you were usually right even if I wasn't so sure. Thank you for taking care of mom, you did such a good job, even though you got tired you showed tremendous patience and faith. I will forever remember your example in challenging times. Your love of God,family and country was evident in your life and you taught me to be respectful, responsible and to forgive the best I can. Thank you dad, now you can finally rest and be with mom and all our dear loved ones.
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Poppy Bob meeting Great Granddaughter Makensie Olivia (September 2017)
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July 26, 2020
by Walt Stuart
I'll never forget the warm welcome Bob and Fran gave to our young family when we first moved into Hightstown to begin a new Church. Bob was always available with a big smile, a new joke and I helping hand. We also spent time in God's Word and prayer. Miss you Bob but will see you and Fran again surrounded by God's Glory.

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