Donald Crayne

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Donald Eugene Crayne, 91, of Joplin, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the Wildwood Senior Living Center, Joplin.

Mr. Crayne, son of the late Hal and Laura (Brooks) Crayne, was born on December 14, 1928 in Miller, MO. He was a 1947 graduate of Carthage High School.

He married the love of his life, Ruth Barlow, on May 28, 1950 at the Zion Baptist Church near Jasper, Mo. She preceded him in death on March 24, 2018.

Donald worked for Empire District Electric for 28 years, first as a machinist in Riverton, KS, retiring in May 1992 as a maintenance foreman for the LaRussell, MO plant. He had previously worked as an auto mechanic in area garages. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving before and during the Korean War. He served as his sons’ Boy Scout leader. Among his many accomplishments, Donald built two boats, a camper, and several houses, both for his family and assisting friends in building theirs. There weren’t many things he wouldn’t or couldn’t successfully tackle. Donald’s philosophy was that he could build or repair anything better and cheaper than a professional. And he was right.

He is survived by two sons, Mike Crayne, and his wife, Terri, of Shawnee, KS, and David Crayne, and his wife, Cindy, of Joplin; one daughter, Susie Hicks, and her husband, Bob, of Joplin; two brothers, Al Hammonds, and his wife, Gisela, of Fort Worth, TX, and Boyd Hammonds, and his wife, Irene, of St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Nathaniel; one great-granddaughter, Christian; three brothers, Leon, Andrew, and Charles; and three sisters, Wanda, Betty, and Bonnie.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, September 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Park Cemetery in Carthage, MO. Friends may visit during regular visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin American Legion Post 13 and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory, Joplin.