12/31/2025
Robert G. Crise, Sr.
MT. VERNON- Robert Greer Crise, Sr., 96, died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 at Danbury Mt. Vernon.
He was born Nov. 1, 1929 at the former Mercy Hospital in Mt. Vernon, the third son to the late George Washington and Beatrice B. (Greer) Crise. He attended both old and new 3rd Ward grade schools in Mt. Vernon, graduated from Bexley High School Bexley OH in 1947, and received a Bachelor’s of Industrial Engineering degree from The Ohio State University in 1952. While there he was a Master Sargent in ROTC. During four summers in college, he worked for Banbury Wool Co. in Danville, Flxible Corp. in Loudonville, Lustron Homes in Columbus, and Shellmar Corp in Mt. Vernon.
Upon graduation from OSU in 1952, during the Korean conflict, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve and requested active duty. He was commissioned an Ensign, as an engineering duty officer. Upon graduation from OCS in Newport, R.I. he was assigned to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA, as an assistant ship's superintendent. He was involved with the construction of four non-magnetic mine sweepers of the Bulwark class for England, Holland, Portugal & Italy as part of the WWII MDAP program. He became a full ship's superintendent, and assistant drydocking officer, helping to drydock the battleship Iowa, and the luxury liner United States, among other vessels. Ens. Crise was also involved in maintenance and testing of the Navy's four experimental aluminum PT boats. He was promoted to LT JG, and assistant to the Chief Planning & Estimating Officer, and finally a Planning & Estimating Officer, before his honorable discharge in Nov. of 1955.
While in the U. S. Navy, he married Mary Eileen Maddock of Norfolk, VA in 1954, and they were parents of 3 children, Robert Jr., Eileen, and Bruce. Upon leaving the service, he became associated with Patented Products Corp., Danville, and was co-owner of the company when it was sold in 1997 after 42 years of involvement. The company was known for electric bed warmers for home use and 12 V models for truck sleeper cabs.
Crise established and operated Knox Ads, an in-house advertising agency. He also served on the Danville Water & Sewer Board. For over eleven years, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, building houses and serving on their board. For three of those years, he and his wife operated the office and conducted fund raising campaigns. He was instrumental in getting the Restore started, whose proceeds now fund Habitat’s building program. He also volunteered in the store.
Crise was a board member of the Knox County Historical Society. He was an avid golfer for over 60 years, enjoyed playing poker, having vegetable gardens, as well as playing his ukelele, banjolele and Martin Guitar. He always had a dog, usually one rescued from the Dog Shelter. Crise was a long-time member of the First Congregational UCC, where he served for years on the Stewardship Board, and a year as Church Treasurer.
Robert is survived by a son, Bruce J. Crise (Lisa D. Chong) of Washington Grove, MD; a grandson, Owen L. Crise.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Crise; two children, Robert G. Crise, Jr., and Eileen Crise; two brothers, George Crise, Jr., and Richard C. Crise; brothers-in-law, Adm. Thomas Maddock, and Joseph (Mary Lou) Maddock; and a sister-in-law, Patricia (Albert) Gates.
A private graveside service was held at Workman Cemetery. Fischer Funeral Home in Danville handled arrangements. FischerFuneralHome.com
Memorial donations are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ 200 N. Main St. Mt. Vernon, OH 43050; The Myotonic Dystrophy Association, myotonic.org; The Knox County Historical Society, 875 Harcourt Rd. Mt. Vernon, OH 43050; or Habitat for Humanity of Knox Co., 405 W. Chestnut St. Mt. Vernon, OH 43050.
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