In loving memory of

Robert "Bob" S. Crumley
October 29, 1941 - December 19, 2015

Robert "Bob" S. Crumley, 74, of Allison, Iowa, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2015, at the Waverly Health Center in Waverly, Iowa. He was born October 29, 1941, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Donald V. and Geraldine (Carr) Crumley. He attended Lovilia High School and then graduated from William Penn College with a degree in music. Bob served his country in United States Army during Vietnam and was a member of the 74th Army Band. He was united in marriage to Margaret Flahive on June 3, 1967, in Lovilia, Iowa. He worked as a social worker his entire professional life and was promoted to Director of Butler County Human Services. Later, he worked as the Butler County Relief Director until he retired. Bob was a member of the American Legion and the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greene, Iowa. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Bob's passion was music, especially Dixieland Jazz music where he was a member of many bands: The Saints Dixieland Band in Cedar Falls, the Red Sneakers Dixieland Jazz Band in Des Moines, the Raiders of the Lost Art Dixieland Jazz Band in Mason City, the Jazz Coalition Big Band in Mason City, the Allison Five Jazz Band and many other bands throughout the State. He is survived by his wife Margaret of Allison, son Tim (Terri) Crumley of Marion, son Bill (Jenn) Crumley of Tiffin, grandchildren Ian, Ella and Reese Crumley, sister Margaret (Raymond) Vittetoe. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother John William.

Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Basin Jazz Festival in Cedar Falls or to the Lakeside Jazz Festival in Clear Lake.

Tributes

Sandy b wrote on May 5, 2020:

"I was watching Smokey and the Bandit. Your Dad's name was used as a acid rock musician. One of Sally Fields boyfriend's! He sounds like a great guy. "

Amy Lindberg wrote on Jan 13, 2016:

"Who oh who will ever sing Saint James Infirmary Blues for us again???? See ya'll in Cedar Falls. Amy and Dad (Lindberg)"

Dennis Downs wrote on Dec 23, 2015:

"The great thing about making sweet joyful music with friends is that it stays with you and makes everyone better for those magic moments. Bob was one of those friends, playing with him in many jazz gigs over many years. I'll always remember Bob's fantastic enthusiasm and good upbeat nature, and a natural, fun, easy sense while playing/singing those sweet old tunes. Good times for sure. Sincere sympathies and peace to Margaret and the family. -Denny"

Lore Beth Mick wrote on Dec 23, 2015:

"I will truly miss this man...he was a kind and gentle soul. I am proud to say that I shared a " stage" with him at numerous Dixieland jazz festivals. I am so sorry Margarite for your loss...but the music lives on in all our hearts! What a fine musician."

Joe Wolfe wrote on Dec 23, 2015:

"I was sorry to see that Bob passed away recently. When I worked for Bremer County Department of Human Services in Waverly, Bob was my direct supervisor. He and his boss, Verlyn Wieden, had hired me for the social work position in May 1975. Since I had just graduated from college, I thought I knew what I was doing in my job. Bob needed to correct me (he was right) and I did not always like it. Later, when I realized he had taught me well, we were able to have a good relationship. Bob always wanted to keep our focus on serving our clients to the best of our ability. Bob has always remained as one of the significant persons in my life since he was my first supervisor. I will miss his kindness and gentleness towards me. "

Sylvia Schrage wrote on Dec 22, 2015:

"There are not enough words to tell you how much I enjoyed knowing the whole Crumley family. You are all about living life and sharing that love with everyone that knew you. That always seemed to be the most important thing to all of you. He will be missed by so many."

The O'Briens wrote on Dec 22, 2015:

"We have wonderful memories of Bob's trips to Ireland and our trips to Allison. We remember the huge banner Bob put up on our first visit, sitting around the table drinking Jameson, telling stories and discussing politics. We smiled when we saw the pic of Bus Eireann in your photo tribute. Bob and Co took a day trip to Dublin with instructions to be back for dinner. Time passed and we eventually figured out Bob and Co took a detour to the local pub where they had a grand time. We smile as we pass - great memories sadly missed. "

Sue White wrote on Dec 22, 2015:

"I'm sorry for your loss. Bob had a kind heart, a wonderful musical talent and hilarious sense of humor. I'll always remember summer nights sitting on my front porch listening to Bob and the boys jamming in their basement. My sympathy to your family."

Judy Jackson wrote on Dec 22, 2015:

"My condolences to the Crumley family. I remember Bob as a child in Lovilia who had a gift for music even then. He used his talent to make life better for many."

Garr and Linnea Hintz wrote on Dec 22, 2015:

"Our sympathy to all of you. Enjoyed hearing all the stories about where the band's had been and where you were on lots and lots of weekends. Thinking of all and sending prayers for you."

Sally Beltz wrote on Dec 22, 2015:

"I am so sad to hear this news of Bob's passing! What a wonderful man, I will miss his smile (always), his MUSIC, and his love of his family and friends! My Mom and Dad loved his music and loved to dance to it!I always felt so happy when seeing Bob as he made everyone feel so special!! I hope and pray your journey of love leaves you with the most beautiful memories to cherish! Love, Sally "

Bret Kruse wrote on Dec 21, 2015:

"Sorry for your loss Margaret,Tim,Bill and the rest of the Crumley family. You know you had a great father and husband when you watch a video like that!! You got some great memories there. "

Myrna Prange wrote on Dec 21, 2015:

"Sorry for your loss Margret and families. Mom enjoyed having you for a neighbor when she lived next door. "

Kim Marshall wrote on Dec 21, 2015:

"I have so many good memories of good times when Bob bowled with the Allison League years ago, many, many laughs. He was a great man!"

Rose Leinen wrote on Dec 21, 2015:

"Mrs. Crumley, Margaret and Ray, You have our deepest sympathy. Rose and Leon, Jon & Shirley, Dan & Kim, Sally & Ed, Kathy, Jodi, Dave and Kristy"