Robert Lee Crouse Jr., 65, of Mystic, formerly of Ottumwa, died at 4:20 p.m. March 6, 2024 at home.

He was born July 8, 1958 in Ottumwa to Robert Lee and Carole Kruger Crouse Sr. Bob married Judith Lynn Lehman on June 18, 1983 and she preceded him in death on December 14, 2014.

Growing up in Hedrick, he attended his last 2 years of high school at Ottumwa High School, graduating with the class of 1976. Bob served with the U.S. Navy for 4 years. He later attended Indian Hills Community College while working at Everco.

He began working for the Ottumwa Fire Department in 1991 and served 24 years, retiring as a Master Firefighter.

Bob enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his wife, hunting, especially deer in his later years and fishing with his son, Rob.

Surviving are his children, Robert Lee Crouse III of Chariton and Anna Marie Crouse (fiancé, Marcus Bell) of Des Moines; a granddaughter, Nevaeh Bell; bonus grandchildren, Draven and Malaki Bell; a sister, Cheryl Newman of Albia; along with many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Felix.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, David Dean Crouse.

Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Monday, March 11th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 12th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Eddyville with military honors conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Ottumwa Firefighters Association or EveryStep Hospice.