I think he was always a hard worker, and I think he was always a good friend to everybody,” says Tom Crouse, son of World War II veteran Robert Crouse.

At just 17, Robert Crouse Jr. joined the US Navy, but family and friends knew him as Bob.

On Monday, the South Williamsport Methodist Church was packed with his loved ones there to celebrate his 100th birthday.

“I just can’t believe it,” says Bob Crouse.

His family came up with the idea to bring everyone together at the church.

“Kind of really overjoyed to see all these people that did come out, I think it’s everything we thought it would be,” says Tom Crouse.

Serving on the deck of the USS Pondera from 1943-1946, Bob sailed to over 100 ports, assisting the US Navy throughout the Pacific. He then served in the Navy reserves for 9 years.

“It made a man out of me,” remembers Bob Crouse.

After his time in the Navy, his family became his new passion.

“He helped put four kids through college, so his and my mom, they both worked hard so we had a good life, a very good life,” says Bob’s daughter Barbara.

Arnold Probost used to work with Bob at the Williamsport National Bank. He says Bob’s kindness always stood out.

“He used to run the drive-in theaters, and if my wife and my family and I would go to the drive-in theater, he wouldn’t take our money; he would say, ‘Just come on in’” says Probost.

Bob’s service didn’t stop when he got out of the Navy.

He gave back to his community in organizations like the Christian Motorcycle Association, spending countless hours raising money for the group with his fellow riders.

“When I first met Bob, I said ‘Bob, I when I grow up I want to be just like you’, and he’s still growing up and so am I” says Bill Stankiewics, Williamsport Christian Motorcycle Association president.

Bob Crouse also received a citation from the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives honoring his service to the country.
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