Robert Eugene Crippen, the son of John and Gladys (Krause) Crippen was born on February 6, 1933 in Iowa City, Iowa.
He attended Burlington High School and received his GED through the US Navy. He enlisted in the US Navy in February of 1953 and received training as a Hospital Corpsman. Bob retired from the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer with 21 years of service. After retiring from the Navy, Bob worked as a Water Treatment Specialist in Palm Springs, California, as a bowling alley owner and manager, and retired from the US Postal Service in 1991 in Cedar Rapids after 10 years. He had many interests in his life, among these his enjoyment of bowling, golf, coin collecting, origami, and numerous other sports.
On June 7, 1956 Bob married Joan Marie Morgan of Burlington, Iowa, from that union raised 5 children; Darcey and Victor Kendl of Racine, WI, Robert and Laurie Crippen of Fairport, NY, Kimberlee and Edward Herman of Palm Desert, CA, Victoria Galvan of San Antonio, TX, and Kellena Crippen of San Antonio, TX; and 12 grandchildren.
On June 14, 1985, Bob married Joyce Mount and resided in Palm Springs, CA, Bancroft, IA, Duluth, MN, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Horseshoe Bend, AR. Step-children include Scott Mount of California, Tammy Springer of California, Margaret Mount of Florida, and Richard Mount of Iowa; and 7 grandchildren.
On September 14, 2002, Bob married Lillian A. Wheat of Waterloo. Step-children include Kathy and Jeff Stafford of Lenior, NC, Tracy Wheat of Waterloo, Marnae Tucker of Cedar Falls, and Karyn and Dennis Salmon of Cedar Falls; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife, Lillian; half-sister Dorothy Warren; sister Loretta Standard; brother Marvin Selby; and all of his children and step-children.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his first two wives, Joan and Joyce; his sisters Joan Crippen and Jeanette Young; his brother Dirk Wheat; and his half-brother Charlie Owens.
--Published by Legacy Remembers on April 10, 2010
Learn more about Robert on the Pence Family History site:
