Bob Crain

Bob Crain, 77, of Anna, Ill., died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at home, following a brief illness.

He was born Oct. 25, 1935, in Cairo, Ill., to George C. and Marguerite Throgmorton Crain. He married Elaine Vick on June 8, 1957.

A licensed funeral director and embalmer 57 years, Bob devoted his career from 1956 to 1999 to serving families of the area at Crain Funeral Homes and Cemeteries. He was very proud to see the family tradition carried on by his children and grandchildren.

In addition to serving families in the capacity of funeral director and cemeterian, he also provided ambulance services until 1974.

Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church in Carbondale, Ill., and a 50-year member of Anna Lodge 520 AF&AM. He served on Anna State Bank board of directors from 1973 to 2007. During his working years, he was active in the Chamber of Commerce.

He served in the Illinois National Guard.

Kiwanis was an important part of his early life and served in all capacities with the local Anna Kiwanis Club, then as lieutenant governor of Illinois-Eastern Iowa District 1976 to 1977.

Bob had a passion for the antiquities, collecting antique carpentry tools and acquiring and restoring a 1937 Henney-Oldsmobile ambulance/hearse combination, comparable to the first new vehicle owned by his parents.

In their retirement years, Bob and Elaine enjoyed spending part of their time in Hot Springs Village, Ark., where they developed many friendships, relaxed and played golf.

Historic St. Anne's Church was a passion of Bob and Elaine, and over the last 12 years they were active in its restoration and improvements as well as supporting the PAST organization.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; a son, Bryan and Stacey Crain; a daughter, Amy Crain and Shawn Miller; five grandchildren, Ashley and fiance Lane Patterson, Andrew, Graydon, Blake and Ethan; a brother, Bill and Sharon Crain; a niece, Allison (Joey) Turner; a nephew, Joe (Ann) Crain; three great-nephews, Will and Rob Turner and Thomas Crain; and a great-niece, Megan Crain.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Alan Rhein officiating. Entombment will be at 4 p.m. today at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park Mausoleum, with the Rev. Scott Harner officiating. Flag presentation will be by Illinois Honor Guard.

Memorials can be made to St. Anne's Foundation, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences visit crainsonline.com.