Denzil O. Crain

Denzil O. Crain, age 95, of Baldwin, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at 3:39 p.m. in his home.

Denzil was born on November 3, 1922 in Crainville, IL, a son to Grover C. and Esther B. (Brandon) Crain. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served during World War II. On March 11, 1961, he married Charlotte Brueggemann in Pinckneyville, IL and she survives. Denzil had worked construction for the laborer’s union for over 40 years. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, North American Hunting Club and Coulterville VFW in which he was the oldest World War II veteran member. He was also a member of the Shriner’s, East St. Louis, IL, Scottish Rites, Belleville, IL, Pinckneyville Eagles #2522, Masonic Lodge #0881, Marissa, IL, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, American Legion, Baldwin, IL, Retired Laborer’s Union and National Rifleman Association. Denzil was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved working outside, especially mowing, gardening, working with his tractors, woodworking and making furniture and camping. His family was always very important to him.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Crain of Baldwin, IL; one son, David (Angela) Crain of Red Bud, IL; four children from his previous marriage, Bobby, Sheila, Treva and Mauna; one brother, Dennis Crain of Glendale, AZ; two sisters, Belva Birkner of Pinckneyville, IL and Roma Blaise of DuQuoin, IL; and his grandchildren, Jason Crain, Lacey (Maximilian) Brammer, Kendra Crain, Colt Crain and several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Crain; one sister, Loveda Robinson; one son, Danny Crain; and one daughter, Kathy Sue Crain.

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Neill officiating. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL with military graveside rites by Coulterville VFW Post #6865, Coulterville, IL.

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday morning at the funeral home from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.