Robert Grant Metters

Robert G. Metters 85 of Rockford passed away Friday January 23 in his home. He was born December 17, 1930 in Rockford the son of Louise and Grant Metters . He married Juanita Florence Cropp on July 24, 1954. She passed away June 4, 2015. He graduated from West High School. Served in the Military during the Korean War. Lifelong member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #23. Initiated as a plumber on July 10, 1950. He help many elected offices including recording secretary and president for many years. He also served as union delegate to several national union conventions. Served on many building trade committees over the years, moist notably were, Rockford United Labor (RUL) and the Labor Day parade where he served as chairman of the parade for many years. Robert was also involved in the beginning years of the Rock Valley Junior Tackle Football League, where he volunteered for many positions including coaching all his sons’ football teams. Robert and several other members were instrumental in helping bring AYSO soccer league to Rockford.
He loved to tell stories of his youth, especially how he and his buddies would drive to Florida in his 1930 Model A and how they all loved working on race cars at the Rockford Speedway when it first opened in 1948. Robert will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Survived by sons, Jeff (Connie), Joel (Sherry) and Timothy. Grandchildren, Lydia, Jessica, Megan, Robbie, Brittany and Sarah. Great grandchildren, Hailey, Kayleen, Christopher, Gabriel, Nicholas, Andrew, Sabrina, Brayden, Ethan, Autumn, Kyrie and Jasper. Predeceased by his Juanita. Parents, in-laws, Ortho and Kathleen Cropp. Son, Andrew. Daughter, Jill Ann. Granddaughter, Jill Ann. Cousin, Gene Wallin. Several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. The family would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Heartland Hospice who were there every step of the way of his journey home. Megan and Emily we will never forget the love and care you gave to our dad. Thank you so much, we love you.
Funeral Mass at 10am Friday January 29, 2016 in St Bernadette Church. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5pm until 7pm Thursday January 28 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 3910 N. Rockton Ave with rosary at 7pm. Memorials to Heartland Hospice. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com