Merle O. Crain (79) of LaClede
Published on July 26 2022 10:53 am
Merle O. Crain, age 79, of LaClede, Illinois passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at his home.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood, Illinois with a two-hour visitation prior to the service. Michael Durre will be officiating. Burial will be at Keen’s Chapel Cemetery in Larkinsburg Township. Memorials may go to Masonic Lodge# 484 or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.
Merle was born on February 15, 1943 in LaClede, Illinois, the son of Loren and Hilda (Schneider) Crain. He married Sandra Lue Parks on February 8, 1963. She preceded him in death on December 4, 2017. He graduated from LaGrove High School in Farina, Illinois in 1961. He owned and operated Hickory Hills Kennels, raised many champion hounds, and sold many dogs to every state in the United States and several other countries. He loved attending rodeos, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by son, Kevin (wife Dawn) Crain of Farina, Illinois; daughter, Rachel (husband Chad) Murphy of Freeburg, Illinois; Daughter-in-law, Lynnette Crain of Farina, Illinois; Grandchildren: Dusti (husband Justin) Dickerson, Wade (wife Kendra) Crain, Will Crain, Katie (husband Ryan) Schmollinger, Alex (fiancé Ben Frazier) Miller, Kellie (husband Jacob) Linder, Kacie (husband Collin) Fitzwater, Patricia (Matt) Green, Tucker Murphy, Dakota Murphy; 7 great-grandchildren, sister, Millie (husband Herman) Wesselman; many nieces and nephews, and special running partner, Barbara Boomgarden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Hilda Crain; wife, Sandra Crain; and son, Ronnie Crain.