MSgt (Ret.) Robert Earle Crytzer

Master Sergeant Robert Earle Crytzer, US Army, Retired, passed away at Brookdale-Peachtree Assisted Living Center in Statesville Thursday, April 13, 2017, just six days after his 89th birthday. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born April 7, 1928, the son of the late Lynn and Clarice Woods Crytzer.  

Sgt. Crytzer was a “child of the depression” who grew up on a farm and was no stranger to hard work and hard times. Shortly after attendance at Natrona (PA) High School, he enlisted in the US Army and embarked on a career of more than 20 years with heroic service to his country.  He saw battle throughout the Korean War. His military recognitions and awards included the following: Good Conduct Medal with three (3) Bronze Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with five (5) Bronze Stars, Distinguished Service Cross, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Letters of Commendation, and a Purple Heart.

His heroism is demonstrated with stories related to his actions in Korea. He and his fellow soldiers were once trapped in a foxhole and were having grenades hurled at them. After retrieving several of the grenades and throwing them back out of the foxhole, one landed ready to explode and Crytzer threw himself over the grenade to protect his fellow soldiers. Fortunately, it was a Chinese made grenade and his injuries were not fatal. On another occasion, he was one of 17 soldiers caught behind the enemy line. Only seven were able to retreat back to safety, he being one of them.

After his departure from military service, he returned to his native Pennsylvania and purchased farmland to raise his family. There, he ran a successful farm and also started and ran a successful construction company. But in his heart, he considered himself to be always and forever a soldier. In retirement, he migrated to North Carolina some 20 years ago and settled in Statesville where he made many friends.

In addition to a grateful nation, he is survived by special friends Paul and Ann Hyde of Statesville whose kindness and selfless devotion over many years was immeasurable. Also surviving are his five children: Rebecca Crytzer of Cincinnati, OH, Bradley Crytzer of Kittanning, PA, Eric Day Crytzer of Wyandotte, MI, Douglas Crytzer of Pittsburgh, PA, and Shawn Crytzer of Freeport, PA; grandchildren: Alexander, Scott, Ashley, and Calla; great grandchildren, Aiden and Layla; a sister, Virginia Adams of Lower Burrell, PA, and a brother, Donald Crytzer of Dinosaur, CO.

Befitting his service to our nation, services with full military honors and interment will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Reavis Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to serve the family of this American Hero. An online guest registry is available at www.reavisfhstatesville.com.

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