John Michael Crum

John Michael (Mike) Crum, 69, of Hahira, a man with a lively intellect and great inner strength took his rightful place with the Lord, Friday, December 12, 2008. He was born to Kenneth and Libby Crum on January 7, 1939, in Plant City, FL, becoming a fifth generation Floridian and cattleman. He was a graduate of Plant City High School and commissioned into the USAF following graduation from the Citadel and the University of Alabama in 1960, receiving his wings in 1961.

He proudly served his country as an instructor pilot, fighter pilot in Viet Nam, and as a liason officer to the US Army, Honduran AF, and the Marine Corps during his illustrious 23 year career. He earned his MBA from the University of Central Michigan. Lt. Col. Crum served as Resident Director of the Georgia Sheriff Boys' Ranch, Hahira, GA from 1989-2001. He emphasized education and served on the Lowndes County Board of Education.

Lt. Col. Crum was an avid horseman, hunter, golfer, fisherman and reader. A member of the United Methodist Church, he taught youth and adult Sunday school classes for 30 years. As a member of the Hahira United Methodist Church, he served on numerous committees and as Chairman of the Admin BD. He was an active member of the Lions Club for 25 years but "His pride and his boast and the thing he loved most" was his family.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 52 years, Harriet Mohler Crum of Hahira, "his girls" Michelle Frey and husband, Dan of Hahira, Carrie Ingram and husband Lee, of DeFuniak Springs, FL and Mindell Downing and husband, Billy of Hahira, eight grandchildren, Saundra Ingram Perret and husband, John of Rutledge, AL, Clinton Michael Ingram of Troy, AL, Liza Ingram of DeFuniak Springs, FL, Chelsea Sutton Rowe and husband, Garrett, Katie Sutton, Kelli Downing, Kent Frey and Meredith Frey all of Hahira, one great grandson, John Aiden Perrett, his sister, Connie Moore and husband Donnie of Brandon, FL, sister in law, Paula Russell and husband, Emmett of Monroe, NC, nephews, Michael Russell and Stewart Russell and their families and special family friends Martha Dasher, her children Scott and Melanie. He counted among his blessings many lifelong friends.

The family invites friends to visit at his home, 307 East Lawson Street, Hahira, Monday evening after 6 p. m. He will lie in state at the Hahira United Methodist Church Tuesday from 1 until 3 p. m. Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. with Reverend Ken Morgan and Reverend Lynn Hurley officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at mclanefuneralservices.com.

Honorary pallbearers are D. K. Hollis, Kenny Hutchison, Norman LaHood, Jesse Parrott, Bob Phillips, Don Taylor and Jack Williams. Active pallbearers are Scott Dasher, Kent Frey, Clint Ingram, John Perrett, Garrett Rowe, Michael Russell, Stewart Russell and Tim Walker.

Martin McLane Funeral Home of Hahira is serving the family of Lt. Col. Crum.


Funeral Home:
Martin/McLane Funeral Home
401 S. Church Street
Hahira, GA
US 31632