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Kenneth John Crast January 16, 2020 Kenneth John Crast, 95, of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully on January 16, 2020 Wake Forest, NC. Born on May 6th, 1924 in Watertown, NY. Ken lived in the CNY area for most of his life. Ken graduated from Sandy Creek High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1943 following his brother's footsteps to defend our country. He flew 18 missions over Germany in a B-17. He was a waist gunner and shot down an FW-190. He was shot down over Saagermund, Germany on September 13, 1944, he would then become a P.O.W in Stalag Luft IV in present day Tychowo, Poland. He began a march across Germany in late February of 1945, with other prisoners and would escape in April into the Russian sector and would then escape them in May linking up with the 69th Division at Grimma. Ken would continue his service after the war where he would retire as a Chief Master Sergeant from the 174th Fighter Wing in 1984. He enjoyed sailing, had a fascination with geology, and loved spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his wife Gloria, his brothers Glenn, Delmont, Jack, and sister Vivian. Surviving are his children David (Jodine) Crast, Laura (Jack) Robbins, and Deborah Cammer, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ken will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial service will be held in June, for those interested please contact [email protected]. Please sign the guestbook at syracuse.com/obits
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Sponsored by The Family.
Franco and Wilmer miss you..! We love you ...
Carolina
Friend
October 27, 2023
THANKS KEN FOR THE OPPORTUNITY YOU GAVE ME!
GOD SPEED! DAVID BENSON
January 22, 2020
My Deepest Condolences to Ken and his Family. I don't know Ken but he is a Brother in Arm as I served 24-years in the US Army as an aviator. My The Lord keep Kenneth, his wife & Family safe in his arms. Bless all Ken's descendants. Rest In Peace Old Soul...
Tim Hartnett, Maj, USA, Rtd.
Timothy Hartnett
January 21, 2020
My condolences to Kens family, he was an outstanding member of the 174th, a true Patriot and a Proud Warrior. May he Rest In Peace.
Ed Campbell
January 21, 2020
So sorry to read about Ken's passing. I lived across from your mom & dad in Bayberry for over 20 years. My fondest memory of your mom & dad was coming home from work one day and finding a white Rhododendron on my front porch. The note attached said we love these plants but we would never see it in our yard so we decided to give it to you. We hope that you will put it in your front yard between your 2 pink ones. That way,we will be able to look out in the morning while having our coffee and admire it every day. Very special people.
Stephen Ludlow
January 21, 2020
Met Ken while in the 174th. He was truly a great military roll model.
Thank-you Ken for your service to our country.
Gary Lighton
January 21, 2020
Ken was a great guy. He helped whenever it was needed. Quiet yet extremely resourceful. I had the honor of being in the 174th with him. RIP Ken.
Col. John Traino Jr
January 21, 2020
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