SFC retired Robert L. Crapo passed from this world January 30, 2020 after a lengthy illness in McAllen, Texas.
He was born October 6, 1941 in Montpelier, Vermont and was raised by a foster mother, Evelyn Ingersoll of Lancaster, NH. He attended Lancaster Elementary and High School.
At the age of 17 he joined the US Navy, serving a total of six years. In 1965 he joined the US Army. In August of that year he was sent with the advance party of the First Calvary Division to Viet Nam; something that would affect him the rest of his life. He served a tour in Korea and two tours in Germany with his family.
He was awarded many medals and ribbons throughout his career including the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal (6th award), Rifle Expert Badge, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2), the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Service bars (2), Army Achievement Medal, Basic Recruiter Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Viet Nam Campaign medal and eight other awards and ribbons. Robert retired in 1985 with a total of 26 years served.
He returned to his hometown of Lancaster where he purchased Lancaster Laundromat and later Lancaster Video and opened Cones and More ice cream shop; along with video stores in Whitefield, Lisbon and Bethlehem. Seeing the demise of videos, he sold all and became a school bus drive for Bruce Transportation and WW Berry. He loved his kids and spoke of them often.
In 2006, needing warmer winters, he and his wife spent winters in Donna, TX. For nearly thirteen years he was in charge of the winter post office at Bit-O-Heaven RV and MH Resort. After fourteen years of traveling they decided to become resident of Texas.
He was member of the Masonic Lodges of Whitefield and Lancaster, NH. He served as Master of the Whitefield Lodge. He was also a member of the Olive Branch #1, Order of the Eastern Star in Lancaster and member of the Lancaster VFW.
Robert is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Patricia (Porter) Crapo of Donna Texas; a son Stephen Crapo of Bethlehem, NH; a daughter Tony Whiting of Beaumont, Texas; two grandchildren, Reilly Crapo and fiancée Brittany Bean of East Concord, VT, and Kaylee Crapo of Pittsburg, PA and great-grandson Kayson of East Concord, VT.
It was his wish to mention his daughter-in-law of 28 years, Diane Crapo of Lunenburg, VT and son-in-law Jamie Whiting of Concord, VT, and his little Sis Bonnie Pineo of Lisbon, NH.
A graveside service with military honors will be held August 15th, 2020, at 2:00 PM, in the Cushman Cemetery, Dalton. Reverend Dean A. Styles, pastor of the Jefferson Christian Church will officiate.