A Watseka landmark, started back in 1964, has been sold. The Big R store is now under new ownership.

Watseka businessman Jerry Gibbs is now officially retired. Gibbs owned the Watseka store, including 22 other stores in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. The corporate office is Watseka where the distribution warehouse is also located.

Ownership now belongs to a Minnesota-based businessman and Joda Crabtree of Watseka, the son of the store’s founders, Bill and Pat Crabtree.

The store’s sale was finalized last week. Employees were notified.

Big R evolved in 1964 under Bill & Pat Crabtree’s guildance. Jerry Gibbs started as in 1973 as office manager. He became a part-time owner and then majority owner.

The store’s ownership is opening a new store in Ohio with plans for additional outlets in Michigan.

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