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June 19, 1923 - May 17, 2013 OKLAHOMA CITY Harold Crain was born on June 19, 1923, to Clyde and Mattie Crain in Oklahoma City, OK. One of four children, he attended various schools in Oklahoma, Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas as the family moved with the opening of various oil fields. Harold enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the outbreak of WW II, serving honorably in many assignments. Following the declaration of peace, Harold chose to make a career in the service. He married Jean Joan Renfro at First Unitarian Church in Oklahoma City on March 27, 1948, and they eventually had five children. He served in Korea and was stationed in San Diego; Gulfport, MS; Ankara, Turkey; and Washington, DC, before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1964. He then returned to Oklahoma City with his family to begin a career in teaching. After receiving his teaching degree from Central State College in 1965, Harold first taught Math at Hoover Junior High before being named Assistant Principal at Northwest Classen in 1968. In 1970, he became Principal of U.S. Grant High School. In 1973, Harold accepted the honor of being designated the first white Principal of Douglass High School. In order to spend more time with his wife after years of service there, he became Principal of Capitol Hill and Harding Middle Schools before concluding his education career with Oklahoma City Public Schools by teaching Math at Taft Middle School. He retired in 1988, having received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Oklahoma. Due to concerns for his wife's health, Harold served as companion, husband, friend and caregiver until her passing in 2003. He remained active and healthy until 2012, serving as a guide at the Oklahoma History Center, writing family genealogies and visiting family and relatives. He spent the last year of his life under the care of his children, David, of Edmond; Daniel and Carol, of Plano, TX; Russell and D'Ann, of Oklahoma City; Carol, of Oklahoma City; and Brian and Lori, of Tulsa; his eight grandchildren, Ashley, Colin, Claire, Stephen, Sarah, Callie, Catherine and Christian; and his three great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Caroline and Caleb. Harold passed peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2013. Harold leaves behind a legacy of love for God, his family and his friends. He was proud of his service to his country and to the many students who were entrusted to his care. His family is at peace, knowing that Heaven is now receiving Attention to Orders as its newest entrant begins his tour of duty under our Sovereign and Eternal Father with his wife again at his side. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, under the direction of Mercer-Adams Funeral Service at 3925 N. Asbury in Bethany. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Baptist Children's Home. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com www.mercer-adams.com
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Dr. Crain was a great role model back in the 70's when I was at N.W. Classen, tough on the outside, but a very caring man on the inside, will be greatly missed.
Ralph Gill
May 21, 2013
Dr. Crain taught me Algebra in the 8th Grade, and he was a very wise man. I struggled with Algebra at first, but the foundation Dr. Crain gave me led me to do well in Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. I eventually became an engineer thanks in part to inspiration from Dr. Crain. I remember him saying that even if he found out that Christianity was a big hoax, he wouldn't have changed a think about the way it helped him live his life. That was in 1984 that he said that. Dr. Harold Crain was an inspiration to his students and a huge contributor to the education of thousands of young people. His impact is more far-reaching than he likely realized in life. Rest in peace Dr. Crain. You will be missed!
Rob Davy
May 21, 2013
I was at Grant during Mr. Crain's tenure. We always called him Commander. I was proud to be one of his students. As he started the daily announcements, he would say "now here this, now here this," and end "that is all." To me, that is his legacy. It always made me smile. Rest in peace, sir. It was an honor to know you.
Rob Anderson
May 20, 2013
I did not know Harold Crain but if he was anything like his brother Ken, he had to be a wonderful man. I have utmost respect for Ken and offer my condolences to the entire family of Harold.
Jerry Newman
May 20, 2013
Ill never forget you mr Crain. Your such a sweet man. I'm so glad I meet you at emeritus. I'm gonna miss you
Samantha
May 19, 2013
You will be missed. You taught me and my father. We were blessed to have know you. Rest in peace my friend.
Kathy Milnes-Wingo
May 19, 2013
He was a wonderful math teacher.. He taught me at Taft. He took the time to work with you and you felt like you walked away learning something..
Donna Hurley
May 19, 2013
Mr Crain,
Thanks for giving us Russell and the family he leads. He is a special friend, gifted and talented son of God. Our thoughts are with you all.
Kim anc KAthryn B.
Kim Borcherding
May 19, 2013
Daddy,
I feel a profound gratitude to have known you for fifty-five years and to have had the privilege of God giving me for my father. You're the finest person I've ever known, and I'll try to carry on your legacy to us all.
I know you're with Mom and all your family and friends you love who have preceded you into Heaven.
I love you so much and I'll miss you forever.
Your grateful daughter,
Susie
Susie Crain
May 19, 2013
I'll never forget you, Mr. Crain.
My heart goes out to the family, but leaves them knowing that he was one-of-a-kind.
Lorna
May 19, 2013
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Mercer-Adams Funeral Service3925 North Asbury Avenue, Bethany, OK 73008
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