Dr. Robert Gene Crozier

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Robert Gene Crozier, 85, of Noblesville, Indiana, who died on May 27, 2024. He is survived by his son, Rolf (Mary) Crozier; daughter, Sally (Vince) Howard, stepdaughter, Brigette (Tony) Mauck; beloved grandchildren, Maddy and Adam Crozier, Matthew and Michael Howard, and Kalib and Kolby Mauck; and cherished family, Ann Crozier and Jill Howard. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Anna and Luther Crozier and Georgia and Harry Stoneking; parents, Gene H. and Ruby June (Stoneking) Crozier; uncles, Guy and George Ray; aunts, Faye and Lottie Brockbank; wife, Pamela Kay (Whetsel) Crozier; and his Tilly cat.

Robert was born in Flat Rock, Illinois on March 1, 1939, to his parents Gene and Ruby Crozier. He considered Casey, Illinois, where he grew up since the age of three, his hometown. He attended the University of Missouri, where he played tennis competitively and completed a B.S. in Forestry in 1961. He then graduated from Purdue University with an M.S. in Forestry in 1962 and a Ph.D. in Entomology in 1966. His dissertation was titled "Instrastand Population Distribution of Corthylus Columbianus Hopkins," a study on the population dynamics of a native beetle in 50 acres of hardwood forest in southern Indiana.

After working at San Jacinto College in Beaumont, Texas, he spent most of his teaching career at IUPUI in Indianapolis, Indiana as a Professor and long-time Chair of the Department of Computer Technology in the School of Engineering and Technology. Robert married Pamela Kay Whetsel in June 1980, the start of 42 years of marriage. Robert and Pam moved into their home in Noblesville in July 1981, where they regularly hosted pool parties, birthday celebrations, Thanksgiving lunches, and Christmases. Pam sadly passed away in December 2022.

Robert led a life of integrity, wisdom, and sincerity, full of treasured moments spent with loved ones. His affection for the great outdoors was at the heart of his many passions over the years, such as mushroom hunting, nature photography, and making delicious jellies and jams with fruit from his orchard. He enjoyed photography, and his videos and photos from family vacations, holidays, and gatherings will long be treasured. As a grandfather, he always encouraged his grandchildren's efforts in sports, music, and education, steadfastly supporting their passions and talents. Robert also enjoyed doing genealogical research, reading historical nonfiction books, and taking care of many cats. Most of all, he enjoyed hours of peaceful conversation with family while sitting on the back patio and watching the birds and squirrels. His passion for birdwatching and ecological conservation will be remembered as a lasting example for responsible stewardship of the environment. His family will continue to honor his legacy, and he will be greatly missed. Family and friends will gather for a graveside service on June 3 at 1pm ET at Brookside Cemetery in Lapel, Indiana. Services will be provided by Bozell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at https://give.birds.cornell.edu/page/7789/donate or mail to 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhome.com.