Robert Vernon Cralle, MD

Robert Vernon Cralle passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025 with his eldest daughter and wife by his side. He was affectionately known as "Daddee" by his youngest, "PopPop" by his grandchildren and Dr. Bob by his patients, friends and colleagues. Dr. Cralle was a gentle, patient man who loved his family and took great pride in his long career as a general, vascular and trauma surgeon.

Robert Vernon Cralle was born in Evansville, Indiana on August 23, 1943 to Eldon and Katherine Cralle. He was raised in a steadfast, faithful family alongside his younger sister Charlotte. He graduated from Edwards County High School in 1961, attended college for pre-medicine at Washington University and graduated from medical school in 1970 from St. Louis University. He worked from 1975-2003 for Surgical Arts of St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Cralle was preceded in death by his father (Eldon Leroy Cralle), his mother (Katherine Cora Smith Cralle) and his youngest daughter (Megan Louise Cralle).

Robert is survived by his wife (Vicki Lynn Cralle) and his sister (Charlotte Hawkins) and nieces Tamera and Katrina. He is also survived by his daughter (Kelly Debeljak), her daughters Ashley and Allison and her granddaughters Camila and Colette. He is also survived by his daughter (Ericka Thessen) and her children Crow, Garrett and Autumn. He is also survived by his son (Sean Cralle).

Robert will be fondly remembered by his family, friends and patients as a dependable man who dedicated his life to his loved ones and career. His favorite things were: spending time with his family, watching college football and basketball, baby Cokes in the glass bottles and cuddling with his 3 cats.

A memorial for Dr. Cralle will be held on Sunday, July 13 at 2:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home of West County, 2211 Clarkson Road in Chesterfield, Missouri. There will be an opportunity to gather before the services from 1:00-2:00 PM as well as a small reception following the services at the funeral home until 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Louis University School of Medicine in Robert's name.

To share a memory of Robert or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.