Rev. Robert "Bob" Emerson Crofton
Ava, MO

Robert Emerson Crofton, 85 years, passed away in the early hours of October 14, 2013 at Cox Medical in Springfield, MO after a massive heart attack the day before.

"Bob" was born November 16, 1927 near Lanark, Illinois, to George and Elsie (Klenz) Crofton.

Bob had been a resident of Ava since the 1990s. He was a retired Lutheran minister, having served most recently as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ava. He was a graduate of Carthage College and Luther Seminary.

On June 7, 1952 Bob and Anna Thomack were united in marriage in LaCrosse, WI and to this union four sons were born.

Bob was very active in the local Lions Club, singing groups, gardening and church activities. He traveled frequently, maintaining close relationships with friends and relatives around the country. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Ava. Bob was a pioneer in organic gardening, having practiced it for more than 50 years. He enjoyed history and a good laugh, and was known as a humble, gentle soul with a great deal of love and compassion, who truly practiced what he preached.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marjorie when she was 13 months old, and his wife Anna who passed away in 2009.


Bob is survived by four sons; James (Detroit, MI), Luther (Princeton, NJ), Stephen (Paradise Valley, AZ) and Mark (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA), seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters; Marian Rasmussen and Virginia Helms, both of Illinois, and one brother, Randy Crofton, also of Illinois, and a host of other relatives and friends.


Funeral services for Bob will be on Saturday, October 26, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ava, MO with burial in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to service time in the church. Officiating will be performed by Pastor Wayne Strohschein. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Ava. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.