Harold W. Crippen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harold W. Crippen, age 84, of Marion, IL, formerly of Carlyle, IL, passed away at 2:02 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at his home. He was born on Saturday, September 20, 1930, in Ullin, IL the son of Olen Henry and Mabel Clara (Sutton) Crippen. Harold attended school in Ullin and was a graduate of Ullin High School in 1949. After graduation he answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army in 1951, being stationed in Korea and after his period of faithful service was honorably discharged in 1954. Harold was united in marriage to Mary A. Haney on Sunday, June 10, 1951, in Ullin, IL and together they have shared over 63 years of marriage. He owned and operated Harold’s Auto Body in Carlyle, IL for 17 years. Later he worked for Sherwin Williams as a sales representative in the automotive finishes division. During this part of his career, he loved being able to travel and meet the people in the field of automotive repair. He remained in this position for 15 years until his retirement in 1995. Harold is a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Marion, IL. His other memberships include Scott Masonic Lodge No. 79 of Carlyle, IL where he served as Worshipful Master in 1976, The Order of the Eastern Star where he had served as Worthy Patron, the Marion Senior Center and was a member of the Kitchen Band playing the crutchaphone. He always kept busy during his lifetime with work and many outside activities, but the most important part of his life that came first was his family; always taking interest in their activities and recorded many of the family events on video. He looked forward and treasured the many times they shared together. He loved traveling, being known as “The Marathon Man Behind the Wheel”, working on the computer, watching basketball and western movies and earlier in his lifetime playing golf. He is survived by his wife, Mary A. Crippen of Marion, IL; daughter, Julia Crippen of Sandoval, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Harold “Butch” and Vicki Crippen of Dongola, IL and David and Jamie Crippen of Benton, KY, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Gerald Crippen of Lincoln, IL, Jack and Judy Crippen and Carl and Sue Crippen all of Ullin, IL; sister, Shairlyn Wright of Ullin, IL, several nieces and nephews, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Olen “Junior”, Lelland and Charles “Sonny” Crippen and two sisters, Eloise Bryant and Dolores Coursey. Arrangements for Harold W. Crippen were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The Celebration of Life Service was at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 1201 North Fair Street of Marion. The prelude “Amazing Grace” and postlude musical selections were presented by organist, Judy Hopkins and pianist, Sharon Disney. Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were “How Great Thou Art” by Gary Dooley, accompanied by organist, Judy Hopkins and pianist, Sharon Disney, “Old Rugged Cross” was presented as a Congregation Hymn, and “When the Roll is Called up Yonder” by Gary Dooley, accompanied by organist, Judy Hopkins and pianist, Sharon Disney. The service began with Scott Masonic Lodge No. 79 of Carlyle, IL conducting their Masonic service. After the Masonic service the Celebration of Life Service was held with Rev. Dr. Tim Ozment presiding. Comments of memory were presented by Harold’s granddaughter Angela Grayling. Comments were also presented by Jim Akin who read a special letter written by friend and co-worker Mike Sperry as a tribute to Harold. Following the service military honors were accorded at the church by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and Illinois National Guard Flag Detail all of Marion, IL. Those participating were, Commander and officer of the day, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Ernie Rinella; Bugler, Jim Grieme; Color Guard, Jessie James and Bill Rice; National Colors, Jeff Hoffard, VFW Post Colors, Ron Ganzer; American Legion Colors, George Trammel; Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Gene Broombaugh, Bill Hampsey, Wayne O’Connor, Fred Read, Bill Reynolds and Ron Russell. National Guard members participating in the folding of the flag were Master SGT. Ted Mosier and SGT. Matt Stein. Presentation of the folded flag to Harold’s wife, Mary, was by Master SGT. Ted Mosier. Following the memorial service at the church the family and friends gathered at Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to either “The American Heart Association” or “The Kidney Foundation”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the church or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL, 62959. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

Harold W. Crippen

September 20, 1930 - October 11, 2014