Robert Duncan Crout

Robert Duncan Crout, was born February 5, 1928, in Raleigh, Mississippi, to Horace Francis Crout and Cavie Jewel Clark, and departed life on December 11, 2023, at his home. He completed Raleigh schools and after briefly attending Mississippi State University, enlisted in the United States Navy in February 1946, one day after his 18th birthday, serving on the USS Randolph aircraft carrier until December 1947. Robert returned from the Navy to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and married Barbara Jean Montague on March 12, 1949, beginning their 69-year marriage. He graduated from the University of Tulsa with a BS in Geophysical Engineering; and later earned a MS in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University. Life presented many adventures after he accepted a position with Conoco Oil on a seismograph “Doodlebugger” crew, and throughout his career, the family lived in 23 towns and 34 homes across the Southern United States. God blessed the marriage with four children, Jaqueline, Michael, Mary Lane, and Laura, each having been born in a different state due to Bob’s Conoco assignments. Barbara knew that when Bob came home early in the afternoon, she would need to start packing for the next move. Barbara began a career with Conoco during their second time living in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They had many treasured friendships across the country through the camaraderie of the young families of the Doodlebuggers that continued throughout their life. Bob and Barbara retired to Huntsville, Texas, to build their final dream home. They were active in their community, the First United Methodist Church, and enjoyed many years finetuning their golfing skills. Robert’s family was very important to him and brought him much joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother William, sister Frances Deer, wife Barbara, and daughter Jackie Reynolds. He is survived by his son Michael Crout and wife Annette, daughter Mary Schooley and husband Douglas, daughter Laura Grimes and husband Glenn, and son-in-law Dean Reynolds and wife Barbara; grandchildren Geoffrey Crout, Garrett Crout, Jana Reynolds Vigil, Shawn Reynolds Rodriguez, Greg Reynolds, Kara Schooley Gentry, James Schooley, Dana Zuber, Emily Zuber, and Thomas Zuber; 10 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at a future date at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.

Robert Duncan Crout

February 5, 1928 - December 11, 2023