EULOGY FOR JOHN LLOYD CRARY JR.
-------------------------------------------------------
I would like to thank every one of you for coming to celebrate the life of my father John Lloyd Crary Jr. whom we called Jack. Jack entered into eternal rest peacefully at home on Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 10:35 pm. He was 67 years old. Jack was born at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York on March 12, 1939. He was the only child born to John Lloyd Crary Sr. and Helen Crary. A blond haired boy with big bright blue eyes who always loved animals and music grew to become a great man I was proud to call “dad”.
Jack married my mother April on December 28, 1985. My parents loved each other deeply and I had the privilege of assisting my mother on a daily basis in caring for my dad during the last six and a half years of his life. My dad never complained or felt sorry for himself in all the years he was ill. This was only one of many ways he showed his very large family and many friends what an exceptional man he was.
Personally, my dad was a great father to his nine children Jeanie Nantel, Stacey Stinzel, Dennis Crary, Cary Webb, Zack Webb, Brenda Hagermen, Laura Arlett, Johnny Crary, and myself Donna Smith. He had 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren with many whom he had a very special and personal bond. You all know who you are and what you meant to your grampy. He loved us all very much.
Jack was very personable and a happy man. He loved everyone he met and became an instant friend to all. My dad developed many deep and meaningful friendships with some very special people who never forgot him during his long illness. I would like to mention some names but please forgive me if I have forgotten any. Each of you knows Jack never forgot you.
Mike Thomas Franz Straub
Bill Stevenson Tim Went
Bob Skarono Chris Davis
Bill Muntz Karl Koeneg
Lou Docken Frankie Rote
Diane Stanley David Scarbough
Kenny Bucannon Symore Rubinstine
Bob & Gail Hargrove Don & Mary Holcomb
As you all know Jack was a very talented and self taught musician who excelled in many areas of his life. My dad graduated from Eden Central High School in 1956. He received a four year monogram in instrumental music and was a track star. After graduation he continued his education receiving diplomas from Long Island University, University of Wyoming, Alaska Methodist University, The Air Force Academy, Riverside City College, and Riverside Community College for Business Administration, Real Estate Ethics, Music Theory, and an associate in Arts degree.
My dad enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1956 and retired in September 1981. During his years in the service he received the following awards and commendations;
1) 1963 - Commanders Award, United States Air Force.
2) 1963 - NCO Leadership School, United States Air Force.
3) 1964 - Small Fire Arm Marksman, United States Air Force.
4) 1964 - Distinguished Service Award, United States Air Force.
5) 1965 - Management for Air Force Supervisors, United States Air Force.
6) 1968 - Music Theory, United States Marine Corps.
7) 1971 - Supervisor Safety, United States Air Force.
8) 1971 - Head Quarter Command Non Commission Officer, United States Air Force.
9) 1971 – Promotion to Senior Master Sergeant, Top 2% of Air Force Enlisted Force.
10) From 1976 to 1981 the United States Air Force honored him with,
a) 1 Oak Leaf Cluster Medal.
b) The Meritorious Service Medal.
c) Small Arms Marksman Ribbon.
d) NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon.
e) Army Good Conduct Medal with 1 Longevity Service Ribbon and 5 Oak Leaf Clusters.
f) National Defense Service Medal.
g) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. As well as numerous other awards and medals.
My dad played the flute, ba
