Melrose - Dr. Theodore R. Crom of Melrose, FL passed away after a long term illness on Friday morning January 18, 2008. Born on the 4th of July, 1920 in Evanston, IL; he relocated to Gainesville to win the love of his future wife, Wynona (Nonie). He soon became a true southerner, a UF Gator and eventually a Bull Gator. Educated at University of Maryland, Columbia University NYC, and later at the University of Florida, he becalm a professional civil engineer-contractor. After enlisting in the Army and finishing OTC; Lt. Crom was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska during WWII. Returning to Gainesville after the war and after a variety of jobs; he (as president), his father J. M., brother Jack, and Frank Bertie formed The Crom Corporation, which he guided into a respected SE regional corporation. Throughout his life, he was interested in and competed in sports; especially wrestling, gymnastics, diving and judo. Horology (the study of time) became his favorite hobby and he became a world expert in watch and clock tools, authoring many books and articles on the subject. The saving from destruction of the historic Alachua County Clock Tower clock and it's restoration in the Downtown Clock Tower was one of his many public services and donations to our community. He was a major contributor to the UF Engineering College, Tau Beta Pi Honor Society, ODK, Florida Blue Key, the UF Wrestling team, and the UF Gymnastic team which named their practice gym in his honor. Starting in WWII, he began donating blood and after 35 gallons, he has become one of the top donors in the nation. In addition to being a nationally recognized Engineer (Fellow Member of FES, ACI, a member of NSPE and a certified PE in 11 states); earning an honorary Doctor of Engineering, University of Maryland; and being a world wide recognized Horologist; he made time to work locally with the Boy Scouts, the Boys Club, start the Gainesville Good Cop Award and serve on the Gainesville Long Term Goals Committee. On retiring from the Crom Corp in 1992 he moved to his Melrose lake place to follow his many interests.



Saddened from the recent passing of his youngest son, Duff; he is survived by his wife, Nonie; and sons, Theodore P., Frank Gary and Brady Crom. In lieu of a public service and in keeping with the atmosphere of his annual 4th of July birthday parties, a very casual Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2008; beginning at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church, 419 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL. (for service info 352 466-0115)


Crom Corporation Scholarship Fund
www.uff.ufl.edu/Scholarships/ScholarshipInfo.asp?ScholarshipFund=002021