Robert E. Crombar

Robert E. Crombar, 96 of Murphysboro died at 8:05pm on Saturday, September 4, 2010 in Murphysboro. Robert was born June 21, 1914 in Mt. Carbon, a son to the late Paul and Anna (McClintock) Crombar. He was united in marriage to Kathryn "Kack" Yarborough on May 29, 1938 in Murphysboro. Robert and Kack shared 55 years of marriage. Kack preceded him in death on August 8, 1993. Robert attended Mt. Carbon Grade School near Murphysboro and graduated from Murphysboro Township High School in 1932. He went on to attend Southern Illinois Normal University in Carbondale and earned a Bachelor's and a Masters degree. He started his 40 year teaching career in 1935 at Mt. Carbon School where he attended school grade school. During his career with Murphysboro School Dist. # 186 he taught Junior High and was Principal at Washington, Logan, and Longfellow schools. He was a member of the Illinois Education Association. Robert was a member of the First United Methodist church in Murphysboro, and held the office of Sunday School Superintendant for 7 years and through the years held several other various church offices. He practiced his faith daily, and quietly helped others in need anonymously many times. He served his church and community in countless ways and capacities. His last conscious action was singing "Jesus Loves Me" and repeating his bed time prayer. He was the youngest Red Cross field worker in the U.S. Army before joining the U.S. Army during WWII. On January 20, 1948 he was the first recipient of the Murphysboro Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for helping with the housing shortage in Murphysboro after World War II by building 3 pre-fabricated houses with ownership preference given to returning veterans with children. He was Chairman of the Public Health Committee for the Jr. Chamber of Commerce; he also served on committees for the Community Chest Fund Drive, the Murphysboro community Fourth of July Celebration and the Murphysboro Township High School Homecoming. He was a Jaycee Director for a 2 year term. He was a Board Member of the American Red Cross and a member of the American Red Cross National disaster staff which he continued for many years. He was a Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack no.25 and helped form other Cub Scout packs in several other cities. He served as Chairman of the draft board for 12 years. He was a charter member of the Murphysboro Kiwanis Club, and had held the office of Secretary and President and was a member for over 50 years. He was awarded a George F. Hixen Fellowship by Kiwanis. Many will remember him by his asking, "Want to buy a Pancake Day ticket"? or by the Oldsmobile's he always drove. Robert was also a founding member of the Murphysboro Apple Festival committee and served on the Apple Festival Committee for many years, and was instrumental in starting the Kiwanis Pet and Hobby Apple Festival Kiddy Parade. He was also active with the March of Dimes. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Murphysboro, his longtime personal friend and fellow Kiwanian Rev. Earl Renshaw will officiate and will be assisted by Rev. Larry Gilbert of First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Murdale Gardens of Memory near Murphysboro. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Monday, September 6, 2010 at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro and from 9am until the hour of services on Tuesday at the church. Memorials are encouraged and may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Murphysboro, the Murphysboro Key Club, TIP Hospice, or to the charity of choice. He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law; Jan and Ron Draper of Murphysboro, two grandsons and four granddaughters and their families, one special sister-in-law; Mary Roper and her caring family, 17 great-grandchildren, his faithful caregiver; Jim Gammons, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. In addition to his parents and first wife he was also preceded in death by his son Barry Crombar, his second wife Ruth Bryant, four sisters and four brothers.

Robert E. Crombar

June 21, 1914 - September 4, 2010