Robert "Bob" Lee Crothers

Robert L. “Bob” Crothers departed this life on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s.  Although the disease took many things from him, his zest for living and his interest in other people never diminished. Bob was born in Marengo, Indiana on March 31, 1925, the second son of Albert H. Crothers and Alma Mae (Agan) Crothers. By the time he started school, the Great Depression had gripped the nation and times were very hard for the family. He was able to apply humor, even in those hard times. He often told of walking through waist-deep snow – all up hill – in order to reach school and then, after school, having to walk up-hill again, just to get home. When we asked how it could be up-hill both ways, he’d reply with a grin, “It snowed a lot during the days while we were in class... so it was up hill again, by afternoon.” As soon as he was old enough, he left home to do his part in the War. He joined the US Navy and served his tours from 1943-1946 in the pacific theater, based at Pearl Harbor. He and the love of his life, Zelma Cook, were married in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 18, 1944 while he was awaiting redeployment back to the pacific. They were married 64 years, until her death on March 7, 2009. After the War, he and his bride settled down in his hometown of Hoopeston, IL. However, within five years, the pull of Oklahoma was too great for him and Zelma. So, they bundled-up their small family and headed to Oklahoma. Bob had fallen in love with both Zelma and the Sooner State while stationed at Max Westheimer Field, in Norman. Bob was a salesman. He loved to help people get what they wanted. From an early career at OTASCO (you have to be over 50 to remember) to more than 60 years as one of Shawnee’s leading Realtors, Bob spent his energies engaging in the business of helping people find a home. He was pretty darned good at it too. It is estimated that, during his active years, he and the super team members of his firm, Century 21 Bob Crothers Realty, helped more than 6,000 people find or sell a home. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Zelma, his parents, two infant sons, and two brothers, Albert and Richard Crothers. He is survived by four children; Bob & Holly Crothers, OKC, Charlotte & Ed Bottom, Macomb, Randy & Judy Mullinax of Shawnee, Lyn Crothers of Shawnee as well as ten grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Belfair Shawnee, and the kind nurses at Heartland Hospice for the care and comfort they rendered Dad. Services will be held Saturday January 21, at 10:00AM At Northridge Church of Christ. Cliff Craig officiating.