Raymond Crots

Raymond Crots, 79, was called home to spend eternity with his Savior on Sunday, March 19, 2017. Raymond was born on Friday, December 17, 1937, to Reid and Natalie (Bakowski) Crots in Toledo Hospital.  As a child, he lived on a five-acre farm with his parents, three brothers and a sister.  The highlight of his childhood was when he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at nine years old and was baptized by submersion at 12 years of age.  Raymond graduated from Blissfield High School in 1956.  He lettered in sports 11 times and was known as one of the “Sugar Boys”.  After high school, Raymond spent two years in the Coast Guard where he was stationed on the Coast Guard Cutter Acacia in Port Huron, Michigan, where he met his wife, Donna Ileen (Marlatt). They were married on July 30, 1960.  They have four sons Wayne, Mark, Darrell and Bryan. 

Raymond worked for a small farmer for several summers in his high school years.  He was employed at Toledo Scale before and after his Coast Guard duty where he finished an apprentice program and became a senior designer.  Toledo Scale employed him for 15 years before he built and operated the Monroe County KOA Campground in Petersburg, Michigan.  The KOA was the family business for 41 years where they served upwards of 100,000 campers per season.  The KOA was sold in 2008; and Mr. KOA and his wife, Donna, have enjoyed their retirement years. 

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol; and brother, Kenny.  He is survived by his wife, Donna, sons Wayne (Cheryl), Mark (Marcia), Darrell (Cindy), and Bryan (Jen); his brothers David (Geri), Virgil (Pam); sister-in-law, Diane (widow of Kenny); twelve grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main Street, Sylvania, OH, on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, from 3pm – 8pm.  There will be a brief visitation period at 10 am on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Wyldewood Baptist Church, 7947 Douglas Road, Lambertville, MI, preceding the Funeral service which will begin at 11am.  Interment will be at Whiteford Union Cemetery.  In Lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Wyldewood Baptist Church.  Online condolences may be offered to Raymond’s family at www.reebfuneralhome.com