Bob Crutcher
(Robert Paul Crutcher)
December 12, 1953 – November 10, 2018
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever……”
On November 10th, Bob’s journey through life was suddenly cut short, unfortunately his untimely passing wasn’t discovered until 2 days later on November 12th. It’s believed that he suffered a cardiac episode that lead to his demise, however, the official cause of his death remains undetermined.
You could learn how to read people from being around him, yet you never questioned his authenticity. Bob didn’t need words to convey himself like you or I would, as there were many times you could spend hours in his presence without him saying much. Being a man of few words, “no” was not one that he used often. If you needed help, you could call him and chances are he would answer. His solutions might have been unconventional, but they got the job done and with any luck you learned something along the way.
Born and raised right here in Ellisville, Bob didn’t make it far. In 1975, at the age of 20, he bought his first house in Ballwin; less than 3 miles from the home he grew up in. While it started as a place to party and have a good time, it became the foundation on which he built his life. After an 8 year marriage to his first wife Sharon, he met his soulmate Ruth, at this house, the house they would later turn into a home. Little did he know this would be the setting in which his journey truly begins.
Bob and Ruth married in July of 1985, after the birth of their first daughter, Rachel. They would go on to have 2 more children Rebecca in 1987 and Robert in ‘88. They were blessed to have an abundance of family and friends to share their life with. Bob prided himself on hard work and providing for his family. While life wasn’t always easy, he strove to make the best of it however he could, often leaving a lasting impression.
Bob spent the majority of his life working as an electrician with IBEW LOCAL #1. When he wasn’t working, you could find him at home with his family or tinkering with one of his many projects. While spending time together, the family enjoyed activities such as hunting for morel mushrooms, camping, fishing, or quiet nights at home. With the passing of his wife and his children now young adults, Bob was more likely found relaxing with a nap, playing around on the computer or taking care of his property. In 2016, after a fire destroyed his home, his list of things needing to be done piled up. Understandably, he became overwhelmed, but with the support of his children and true friends, he did what he could to move on.
You know life is tough; but hard times can often be blessings in disguise. Let go and let God strengthen you. No matter how much it hurts, hold your head up and keep going. This is an important lesson to remember when you are having a rough day, a bad month, or a crappy year. Truth be told, sometimes the hardest lessons to learn are the ones that change you the most. Your past was never a mistake, especially if you learned from it. So take all the crazy experiences and lessons and be thankful for them shaping you into who you are.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his father James; his sister Sue, and his brother Don. He is survived by his 3 children Rachel, Rebecca, and Robert; his mother Doris; his sister Jan; and Brothers Jim, Roy and Pat; granddaughter Kylee; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.
Robert Paul Crutcher was a wonderful person. Maybe his journey wasn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it was about unbecoming everything that wasn’t really him, so he could become who he was meant to be in the first place. Bob was always his true self and he will be forever missed. While he may be gone from our sight, he will live forever in the minds and hearts of all that knew him. We ask you keep his loved ones in your thought and prayers as they go through this difficult loss.
Celebration of life memorial service Saturday, December 15th St. Johns Church 15800 Manchester Rd Manchester Road, Ellisville, MO 63011 Visitation starts @ 10 and the service will begin at 11
“With you went so much of me.”
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