Dr. Robert W. Croskery, 92, died peacefully in Des Moines, Iowa, January 22, 2026. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK on March 16,1933 and grew up in Texas and Oklahoma. He attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Beverly Ann Fulkerson. Bob and Bev were married August 14, 1954 and relocated to New Haven Connecticut where Bob attended Yale Divinity School. Bob was mentored by the eminent theologian, Roland Bainton, and discovered Congregationalism. While still a student, Bob began his career, serving churches in Stanwich, CT, Wichita, KS, Kenosha, WI, Toledo, OH, and Cincinnati, OH, where he served multiple churches over a period of 45 years before completing his nearly seventy-year ministry at Mt. Adams Pilgrim Chapel. Dr. Croskery was a gifted preacher, known for his intellect, reason, storytelling ability, and humor. He was committed to fairness, justice, and the dignity of all people. As a wise pastoral counselor, his applications of the teachings of Christ guided, comforted, and inspired people of all stations and walks of life. He was a Rotarian for over 55 years, and served on many boards, including the Cincinnati Ballet and Hoxworth Blood Center, and was a longtime member and past president of both the Cincinnati Yale Club and the Cincinnati chapter of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick. "Dr. Bob" was also known as a great lover of books, music, family, friends, dogs, and tennis. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Beverly, sister Carol Croskery-Roberts, children Richard (Andrea), Robert (Melinda), Kathryn (Bob) Jones, Virginia (Nixon) Lauridsen; 5 grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, and "adopted" grandchildren and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Plymouth Church in Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines, Iowa ~ A public Celebration of Life was held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at Wesley on Grand, 3520 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ~ Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary at South Lakes Chapel. Visitation will be held prior to services.

Cincinnati, Ohio ~ A public Celebration of Life will also be held on March 16th, 2026 at the Irish Heritage Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.