Robert Alan Crosby

1943 - 2024

Robert Crosby, 81, of Kearney, Neb., and formerly of Merna, passed away July 18, 2024, at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home in Kearney.

Robert Alan Crosby was born Feb. 28, 1943, in Norfolk to Lyle and Alice (Eacker) Crosby. He grew up on the family farm north of Spalding. Robert attended school at Bartlett and graduated from Wheeler Central High School.

On July 26, 1967, Robert joined the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged Nov. 17, 1969.

After the Navy, Robert farmed in the Spalding area for a while before moving to the Merna area. He worked for Karl Safranek for 17 years, then worked for Frank and Lynn Bartak until September of 2001, when he had a stroke and retired. He then worked part time for the Bartaks.

In 2019, Robert moved to the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney where he resided until his death.

Robert's hobbies included driving the back roads and spending time with family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Alice; two brothers Dick Crosby and Jerry Crosby; and daughter Becky Crosby.

Robert is survived by his children Tina Crosby of Cairo, Brenda Crosby Holtorf of Gladstone, Mo., Laura Crosby Goldade of Timberlake, S.D., David Crosby of Cairo and Andy Crosby of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 24, at 2 p.m. at the Spalding Auditorium, 231 E St Joseph Street, Spalding, Neb. Burial with Military Honors will at the Grandview Cemetery in Spalding. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 23, 6 to 8 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow and then 1 p.m. to service time at the Spalding Auditorium.

Govier Brothers Mortuary of Broken Bow is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at govierbrothers.com.