Donald Crots

Donald Lee Crots, 79, of Berne, formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2020. He was born on May 15, 1940 to Rhobe and Grace Crots.
He lived a long and productive life and career in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he was employed by the University of Michigan athletic department for over 38 years. He enjoyed his many years at the university and was known to be the person that could be counted on day in and day out. He was a “person to set your watch by” as far as being on time and ready for the day, and never missing a day of work. He was able to enjoy meeting many of the U of M coaching staff as well as athletes over the years. He enjoyed automobiles and antique farm machinery and loved reminiscing about his childhood days of growing up on a farm in Monroe County with his six siblings before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1962.  
He was an active member of the Ann Arbor First Church of the Nazarene for over 40 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed being with his family on camping and fishing trips. Despite his physical handicaps/disabilities, he became an avid snowmobiler during the 70s and 80s, cruised to Alaska and spent time in small aircraft, including helicopters. He never let his limitations slow him down in life, and he never shirked a task. He was always known to be cheerful in all circumstances and someone who always enjoyed his time with his family and had a good sense of humor.
He is survived by five brothers, Lyle (Marilyn) Crots of Ottawa Lake, Michigan; Lynn (Diane) Crots of Deerfield, Michigan; Louis (Patricia) Crots of Florence, Arizona; Larry (Victoria) Crots of Wild Rose, Wisconsin; and Leslie (Nancy) Crots of South Lyon, Michigan; his sister, Darlene (Tom) Creque of Decatur; and a very large group of nieces, nephews and cousins that all knew him as “Duck”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, both longtime Ann Arbor area residents.
Visitation will be an hour and a half prior to the 11:30 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, January 11 at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements provided by Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio. Online condolences may be made at reebfuneralhome.com.