Lt. Col. John W. Crump

Lt. Col. John W. Crump

Lt. Col. John W. Crump, USAF Ret. was born on 2 July, l924 in Opportunity, WA; son of James and Edna Crump. He attended schools in Opportunity and Edmonds, WA, graduating from Edmonds High School in January 1943, then enlisting in the Air Force. Bill was assigned to the 8th Air Force, 356th Fighter Squadron stationed in Ipswich, England, where he completed 77 combat missions flying P-40's, P-47's and P-51"s. Following WWII, Bill attended the University of Washington and was a member of ATO Fraternity.
Before being called back to active duty in 1946 Bill flew the "bush" in Alaska. His military years took him to all corners of the world with many wonderful experiences. He met Charles E. Lindberg, Bob Hope, Jimmy Doolittle being the most memorable, and the King and Queen of Sweden when Bill returned to Sweden for a reunion of fellow aviators. He had a coyote mascot named Jeep (NMI) who flew five missions with him. On a return from a mission, Jeep, who was sleeping, suddenly awoke hearing the flak bursting around the plane, alerting Bill to maneuver from his position thus saving his life. While in Troop Carriers, flying C-124's, Bill flew around the world on the mission transporting the French troops in Vietnam. During his flying career he flew fifty makes and models of aircraft.
Bill was past president of the Edmonds Rotary, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a Commissioner at Paine Field. During his Presidency of Rotary he was responsible for the construction of the Gazebo Band Stand at the Edmonds City Park, and the free wheel chair and hospital lending equipment program for those in need. He up-dated the names of those service men missing in action on the War Memorial which is located in front of the Edmonds Museum. Bill also had the missing headstones, from deceased veterans, replaced at the Edmonds Cemetery. In 1996, because of his many contributions to the community he was nominated and carried the Olympic Torch in the Olympic Torch Relay prior to the Olympic Games, and also received the General Douglas MacArthur award.
His favorite past time before and after retirement was flying. He instructed at Paine Field and Sequim and also flew his Cessna-150 "The Spirit of Edmonds" for many parades and Air Shows. He spoke about flying and also performed many years at the Arlington Air Show. His greatest thrill in later years was flying the famous P-51 "Miss America" when it was owned by Ron and Jeanette Smyth, of Edmonds. Bill achieved all rating including single and multi-engine land and sea, helicopter, glider and was an aerobatic instructor, and FAA evaluator. He also owned Bill's Hardware and Marine for 10 years.
Bill is survived by wife, June (Sorensen); and four sons, Terry and wife, Ginny, granddaughter, Lauren; Bob and wife, Trisha, grandchildren, Evan and Emily; Eric and wife, Karen, grandchildren, Justin and Jordan; and David and wife, Denise, grandchildren, Matthew and Michael. Bill has lifted his arms to God and the Wind is beneath his wings.
A celebration of his life will be held at Beck's Funeral Home, 405 5th Ave. So. Edmonds, (425) 771-1234, on Thursday, February 14, 2008, with viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the service at 10:00 a.m.; concluding will be a Military graveside service on the Evergreen side (west side of Hwy. 99) at Evergreen – Washelli Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contribution in his memory may be given to Heritage Flight Museum, Bellingham, WA.