Robert Krups was born in 1887 in Wald near Solingen. Unlike his four brothers, he did not join the family business but chose a career in administration.

From May 5, 1924, he served as the mayor of the city of Neuwied. At his initiative, the 7.5 km long flood protection dike in Neuwied was constructed from 1928 to 1931 to protect the city from flooding. He had to resign from his position as mayor on February 4, 1936, because he did not appear in the brown NSDAP uniform at the inauguration of the Hermann-Göring Bridge between Neuwied and Weißenthurm, now known as the Raiffeisen Bridge.

During his tenure, the expansion of the education system, public utilities, and the volunteer fire department was advanced. He ensured the establishment of new green spaces and the founding of the GSG Gemeindliche Siedlungs-Gesellschaft. Overall, he made significant contributions to the flourishing of the city of Neuwied after World War I.

A monument was erected in his honor on the flood protection dike.