Walter "Dale" Crumrin, 89, of West Union, IL, died February 16, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL, from complications of a brain tumor. He was born at home in rural Clark County on October 3, 1931, the son of Walter J. & Oma Faye (Bartlett) Crumrin. From an early age, it was apparent that Dale had a good head on his shoulders. He thrived in the classroom and was the valedictorian of the Hutsonville High School Class of 1949. He would eventually further his education, but not before taking up his country's call, serving in the U.S. Army as a radar instructor and repairman at Fort Bliss during the Korean War.
Back home, he enrolled at Eastern Illinois University, where he earned both his bachelor's degree and master's degree in Elementary Education and Administration. He put his newfound knowledge to work as a teacher and principal at Orange, West Union, and Hutsonville schools before becoming a full-time farmer. By all accounts, this work suited him, as he enjoyed time spent outdoors, tending to his land and the animals that called it home. It also allotted him the opportunity to exercise his mechanical mind, fixing anything and everything that needed attention. Outside of the farm, he enjoyed scoping out auctions to find farm equipment and Menard's to find knick-knacks to use as Bingo prizes at family events. He was also a longtime member of the York Lodge, where he was a master mason for over 50 years.
By all accounts, Dale was a hard-working man whose creed was to do the best he could. He recognized that what he gave to the world mattered, and the result was excellence in all things. We who are left behind are the beneficiaries of a man who led a good and excellent life.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Leda (Davison) Crumrin; his children, Cheryl Lunn and Eugene & wife Lori Crumrin; his grandchildren & their spouses, Ryan & Nicole White, Renee & John Green, Lynna & Travis Titsworth, and Lacey & Josh Boyd; and his great-grandchildren, Nathan White, Natalea White, Maverick Green, Chalon Titsworth, Calden Titsworth, Cambren Titsworth, and Bryson Boyd.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Nolan J. Crumrin; and his daughter, Angie White.
Family Members
Parents
Walter J. Crumrin
1890–1980
Oma Faye Bartlett Crumrin
1896–1981
Siblings
Nolan J. Crumrin
1921–1982
Children
Angela Sue Crumrin White
1959–1982
