Robert W. Cropenbaker

Robert W. Cropenbaker, age 92, of Fairfield, OH passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at Vitas Hospice-Ft. Hamilton. He was born in California, KY on October 20, 1913 the son of William and Sarah (Wright) Cropenbaker. He was a member of the Lindenwald United Methodist Church. He was educated in Campbell County, KY schools. After graduating from A.J. Jolly High School he entered Kentucky Wesleyan College on an athletic scholarship and participated in baseball and basketball. During the last semester of his senior year, he signed a 2 year professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Later he was sent to the Paducah, KY Indians, a member of the "Old Kitty League." This league had teams in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. After leaving baseball in 1937 he took a teaching position at Camargo High School in Montgomery County, KY. During his six year tenure there he married a fellow teacher, Lena Rader and they enjoyed forty year of marriage, Lena passed away in 1978.

In 1943 Robert left Kentucky and took a position at Fairfield City Schools that lasted 32 years. After one year of teaching he became the High School Principal; a position he held for 11 years. In 1955 he was appointed Superintendant, a job he held for 20 years; the longest term of any Superintendant to date. During his tenure they Fairfield City School District experienced the greatest growth in student population. This growth made it necessary for both the elementary and junior high to operate on double sessions. In order for adequate space to be provided it became important to pass bond issues and tax levies. These money issues made it possible to finish construction of North Elementary, to build West & South Elementary as well as the High School on Nilles Road, which is now the Middle School. Growth also made it necessary to add to the existing buildings two times.

In 1980, after five years of retirement, Bob was married to Patsy Ruth Davis who was a Hamilton City School District elementary teacher. This happy marriage lasted 21 years as Pat passed away in January, 2002.

Bob was involved in many clubs and organizations both local and state wide. He had lifetime membership in Butler County and Ohio State Retired Teachers Association, Ohio State PTA Association as well as the State and National Superintendents Organization. He was President of the Butler County Schoolmaster Club. Membership was held in the Ohio Junior Achievement Club, United Way Board, Fairfield High School Athletic Hall of Fame, O'Tucks and was a KY Colonel.

At his 90th birthday celebration Bob was asked what his most meaningful life achievements were; he immediately answered in the following manner, "Being married for a period of sixty-one years to two lovely women, and working with Fairfield students and their parents for 32 years.

Bob is survived by his step-son, Michael ( wife Sue) Davis, two grandsons, Matthew & Mitchell Davis, all of Lexington, OH, also he leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister; Norma Kinney, brother; Carl Cropenbaker.

Funeral services will be 12 Noon, Saturday May 6, 2006 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield with Rev. Ed Beck officiating. Entombment will take place at the Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will also be Saturday from 10 a.m.- until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers friends are asked to contribute to the R.W. Cropenbaker Scholarship Fund at Fairfield Senior High School. Contributions may be made through the Fairfield Community Foundation, 3350 Pleasant Ave., Fairfield, OH 45014. The family will also accept condolences at www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

10 a.m.- 12 Noon, Saturday May 6, 2006 @ Avance Funeral Home

Service

12 Noon, Saturday May 6, 2006 @ Avance Funeral Home