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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. |
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