Gail Richard "Bear" Crumrine, 66, son of Martin L. and Hester Pierce Crumrine, was born March 24, 1942, at Lawrence, Kan. He died April 1, 2008, at his home at Mountain Grove.
Mr. Crumrine grew up in Lawrence, Kan., where he graduated from high school and soon after joined the Marines. After an honorable medical discharge, he began a career in the oil industry.
He was legendary in the oil fields in the '60s and '70s, where he received his nickname. He spent time overseas in Egypt, England, Italy, Somalia, France, Colombia and Thailand.
He kept busy fishing, hunting, working in the hayfields, riding horses and mules and raising hogs.
He enjoyed vegetable gardening, visiting casinos, listening to country music and playing dominos.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lenair A. Sandberg; and one brother, Donald D. Crumrine.
Surviving are Linda Boster McGiboney of Mountain Grove, his companion since 1994; two sons, Bob Crumrine and Tommy Crumrine; five daughters, Belinda, Sue, Jennifer, Roberta and Sharon; two stepsons, Michael and Matthew McGiboney; two sisters, Pat and Paula; two brothers, Bill and J.C.; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Services were April 5 at the Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Cordie Wimberley, Charlie Rymer and Bill Kelly officiating. Burial with full military honors was in the Tyrone Cemetery.
