Robert Vincent Crookshanks

Robert Vincent Crookshanks passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at his home in Fredericksburg. Mr. Crookshanks was born on March 21, 1925, in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, the son of Hellen Margarete Dickerson and Cecil Crookshanks.

He is survived by his daughter, Virginia Johnson (Steven), grandchildren Autumn and Benedict, and another daughter, Lee Cotton, as well as a sister, Sue Settle, and a brother, Cecil.

He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and a sister, June, as well as a brother, James.

Mr. Crookshanks was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He and his crewmates flew missions over Germany and were also stationed in Italy. After the war, he graduated from West Virginia University. After graduation, he married Barbara Malone, and the two began married life in Philadelphia where he received his master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

The couple came to Fredericksburg in 1956 where Mr. Crookshanks was employed by FMC until the plant closed in the early 1980s. He then took a job at Allied Chemical in Hopewell, commuting from Fredericksburg to do so. He was considered by his employers to be an excellent problem-solver and was among the first to introduce computers at work. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and travel.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 10 o’clock at the First Christian Church, 1501 Washington Avenue. Burial will follow at the Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery. A small reception will follow afterward at the church.

Mr. Crookshanks’ family appreciates the concern shown by his neighbors, friends, and caregivers during his last few months.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com