John Crum

John Crum 1927 - 2011 John Crum, 83 of Topeka, IL went to his eternal home, Wednesday, June 30, 2011. John was born December 19, 1927 at the family’s Quiver Township Home in Mason County, IL to the late Alice Fern (Smith) and Howard E. Crum Sr. He married Charline (Curry) Crum, June 20, 1948 in Petersburg, IL. She preceded him in death, April 26, 2011. Four children were born to the union: Randy (Mary) Crum, Oquawka,IL, Gary (Sherry) Crum, Lewistown,IL., Linda Susan (Paul) Mette, Washington ,IL and Vickie Crum, Manito, IL. Grandchildren: Dan, Steve, John, Emily, Andrew, Adam, Katie, Abby; Great Grand Children: Landen, Hannah, Lily, Claire, and River. He is also survived by siblings; Robert, Vernon, and Kathleen and preceded in death by siblings James, Howard Crum Jr., Maxine, Mary, Joan, and Betty Jean. He was drafted into the United States Army post WWII, and was stationed in New Mexico. John worked as an agent with the C&IM Railroad in Havana, Ill. for 44 years before retirement. He and his wife also raised and sold produce to local markets. He also had a wood working shop. John was a member of the Lewistown Church of the Nazarene. He loved his church, sharing his gifts and talents, especially his wood working with the children. He was active in Ducks Unlimited and Green Wings, Havana IL Chapter and a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. John loved his timber-his little piece of heaven on earth. He worked at preserving the land to be a habitat for turkey, deer, natural flora and fauna, and reinstating prairie grasses. He loved to hunt, fish, and be outdoors. That love he handed down to his family. His love for nature presented itself in his wood working. Teaching himself, John was known for his carvings of waterfowl and furniture making, which he shared with his family, friends and fundraising events. He loved watching his ballgames, especially girl’s softball and his nightly Bible reading and studies. John enjoyed the simple things in life, including a good home cooked meal, a drive in the country, and the smooth feel of finished wood and the unique beauty of its grain. He always had a sound piece of advice, the ability to spot a deer in the field and knew how to find the best fishing hole. John loved to share stories about growing up in a large family, learning about nature in the creek bottoms and timbers of Quiver Township, his tour of duty in the Army, his job at the depot and trains, people he met through life’s journey and his life with Charline and their family. Graveside services will be held at 10 am, July 9, 2011 in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Havana,IL. A memorial service following at 11 am at Lewistown Church of the Nazarene, Lewistown, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate or Peoria’s Southside Mission.