Gregory Crain

GREGORY EUGENE CRAIN   Gregory Eugene Crain, age 63, a life-long resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Liberty Hospital, Liberty, MO.   Gregory was born the son of Charles and Betty (Parker) Crain on August 1, 1952. He was the sixth of what would be nine children. As a child, Greg enjoyed being a part of such a large family, as there was always a lot of activity in and around the home. At the center of life in the Crain home was church - Bethel A.M.E Church. Greg was not only a member of the church, but, in later years, was also the building and grounds caretaker.   In high school, Greg discovered his love for working with his hands. He took several classes in woodworking and industrial arts and prided himself on his abilities. The Crain home was eventually filled with gifts from him, including a bench, a lamp, a wooden pedestal and a foot stool. It was also during high school that Greg gained automotive skills by successfully completing a course of study at the Chillicothe Vocational (now, Grand River) Technical School. Greg graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1972.   Greg had other interests as well, such as maintaining bird feeders and tending to his vegetable garden. However, his favorite past-time was sitting outside, regardless of the weather, to people watch. If it was warm enough outside, he would also show off his skills as the "grill master". In fact, no family gathering was complete without Greg's grilled pork steaks, which had been carefully marinated in his special beer-based sauce.   Like many of his siblings, Greg had worked in part-time jobs performing custodial work and his experience paid off when he was hired as a custodian with the Chillicothe R-II School District in 1973. Three years later, he received his Master Custodian certificate from the State of Missouri. He was widely known in the Chillicothe area because of the many years he spent working for the schools. Students enjoyed his teasing nature and seeing his smiling face around the halls and at sporting events. He retired from the school district in 2005 after 31 years of service.   Although he endured some significant health issues after his retirement, he never wavered in his commitment to caring for and assisting his parents. Eventually, that role became one of being the family's "eyes and ears" in Chillicothe with his consistent weekly visits to see them during their long stay in the nursing home. That was a rich blessing and comfort not only to them, but to the entire family.   It was his final gift.   Survivors include: four brothers, Clarence Brown and wife June of St. Paul, MN, Steven Brown and wife Cheryl of Tulsa, OK, Charles Crain, Jr., and wife Patrice of Denver, CO, and Rodney Crain and wife Gina of Austin, TX. Three sisters, Pamela Pasley and husband Victor of Sunrise Beach, MO, Shelly Crain of Elgin, IL, and Marcia Henderson of Elgin, IL; one sister-in-law, Mildred Brown; one aunt, Marjorie (Parker) Nash of Victorville, CA; several nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents; and brother, Michael Brown.   Funeral services will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. A family visitation at Lindley Funeral home will be held immediately preceding the service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Cemetery Maintenance Fund and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com .   Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.