Bobby Dean Crone

WACO, TX — Bobby Dean Crone, 93, passed away on July 26, 2024, in Waco, Texas. Born on March 23, 1931, in Tyler, Texas, Bobby was a respected member of his community and a devout Christian.

Bobby had a fulfilling career, dedicating 35 years to Carrier Air Conditioning. He was active for many years in Toastmasters International to hone his and others’ public speaking skills. Post-retirement, he shared his vast knowledge and experience by teaching business courses at Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler, where he also directed the MBA program. His academic journey began at Tyler High School (Class of 48) and culminated in a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler.

A loving husband to the late Martha Francis Wade Crone for 60 years, Bobby was a cherished father to Michael (Tia) of Sioux City, Iowa, Marilyn of Waco, and Eddie (Linda) of Bella Vista, Arkansas. He was also a proud grandfather to Rachel, Mandi, Kristin, Taylor, and Jordan. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Ray (Pat), sister Alice and sister in law, Patsy and many nieces and nephews. Bobby was preceded in death by his wife Martha, his parents J.B. and Ivy Crone, his sister Norma Jean Alfred, and his brothers Gerald and Kenneth Crone.

Bobby was also known for his athletic prowess as one of Tyler’s best fast pitch softball pitchers and was an avid bass fisherman. He served as a respected lay minister in the Methodist Church for many years, taught adult Sunday School classes and worshiped at Cedar Street and Pollard Methodist churches where he was a valued member of the congregations. He later worshiped at Highland Baptist in Waco.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, August 3rd, with a visitation one hour prior at noon, both at Stewart Funeral Home, located at 7525 Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, TX. Wes Bynum is officiating. There will be a private burial. Bobby’s life was marked by his faith, his kindness, his dedication to his family and community, and his passion for teaching, service and sports. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Pallbearers include Gary Alfred, Mark Alfred, Jeff Cannon, Brad Crone, Trevor Crone and Denny Mortis II.

Honorary pallbearers include H.O. Abbott, Bob Gentry, Fred Hudspeth, Terry Weiss and Bill Whitehead.

Instead of floral contributions, the family would encourage contributions to Hospice of East Texas (where Bobby volunteered for a decade), Providence Hospice Waco (who cared well for Bobby at end of life) or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Delaney at Lake Waco for their outstanding care.