August 17, 2025, 81, Goldsboro —
MAJ./RET. Francis Edward “Ed” Kroboth, II, age 81, passed away on Sunday, August 17th at The Landings of Smithfield. Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Francis Edward Kroboth and Elsie Mae Barnes Kroboth. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Kroboth. Ed was retired from the U.S. Air Force and U.S Airways as a pilot.
He was from an Air Force family, following his father and brother as pilots. He flew the F-106, F-4, OV-10 and both the T-38 and T-37 Trainer Jets. He lived all over the world during his childhood and career, continuing those travels after retirement with his wife. Wherever he lived, Ed was active in the faith community, including serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and other responsibilities where he was attending. As a baseball player himself through his college days, he enjoyed coaching his sons in baseball. He enjoyed spending time with his sons, including introducing Rusty to computers, which ultimately led him to his career in software engineering. He enjoyed fly fishing, canoeing, hiking, woodworking, ballroom dancing and playing pickle ball. Most important of all was his devotion to his wife, Jan. His world revolved around her.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, August 25, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Lane Tree Golf Club, 2317 Salem Church Road, Goldsboro, NC. A service will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Ed is survived by his wife, Jan Kroboth; his sons, Rusty Kroboth and his wife, Kira; and Dr. Richie Kroboth and his wife, Anna Clay; and five grandchildren, Kaytan Kroboth, Carter Kroboth, Asher Kroboth, Elias Kroboth and Conyer Kroboth.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601
The family would like to thank the staff of The Landings in Smithfield for their love and caring during Ed’s illness.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the Kroboth family and online condolences may be sent via www.shumate-faulk.com.
