KENNETH CRUMPTON Jr.

CRUMPTON, Reverend Kenneth Jr., entered Christ's kingdom on September 29, 2010 from Lakewood Manor, where he had resided for over eight years. He was born to Kenneth Crumpton Sr. and Grace Field Crumpton on May 13, 1926 in his grandparents' home on North Belmont Avenue in Richmond. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and a member of the Cadet Corps. After serving his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, he graduated from the University of Richmond. After graduating from the Lutheran Seminary at Mt. Airy in Philadelphia, he was ordained a Lutheran minister on May 18, 1952. He met his lovely wife, Katharine Templeton Moseley, while in seminary at a Valentine's Day dance. This was a special day for them, along with their anniversary which was September 27, 1952, throughout their 55 years of marriage. His wife preceded him in death in July of 2007. They had three children, Katharine Elizabeth Crumpton Shepherd of Richmond, Jonathan Mark of Richmond, and Kenneth Stephen (Raymunde) Crumpton of Westminster, Colo. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Sarah (Jason) Amiama, Christine (Dan) Carber, Mary Shepherd, Kathleen Crumpton, Stephanie Crumpton, Karen Crumpton, Marie Crumpton, and Michael Crumpton. He also rejoiced in his five great- grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Beverly (Carl A.) Springer; and two nephews, Carl and Chris Springer. In the service of the Lord, he was associate pastor of First Church in Norfolk, Va., and then Ascension Lutheran in Danville, Va. From there he served at St. Mark's in Charlottesville, Va. and St. John's in Norfolk, Va. He was also pastor of Christ Lutheran on Woodman Road in Henrico County before taking the position in New York City with the Board of Missions for North America of the Lutheran Church of America. Following the merger that created the ELCA, he retired to Richmond and continued to serve Christ and His church as interim pastor for several congregations as well as participating in the Order of St. Luke, an ecumenical healing order. He assisted with Thursday healing services at All Saints' Episcopal on River Road until his health declined. He was an avid fan of railroads and a member of the Railroad Historical Society. He had traveled by train across the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe, including a journey to Luther country in East Berlin. He had traveled in the Holy Land in conjunction with his ministerial work. He was a recipient of a Master's degree in Systematic Theology from Southern Seminary in Charleston, S.C., and a doctorate in Church History from the seminary in Richmond. A memorial service will be held on October 9, 2010 at 11 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 1603 Monument Ave., Richmond. Interment is private, but the family will receive friends at Lakewood Manor from 2 to 4 p.m. on October 9, 2010. In lieu of flowers, he requested donations be made to the building fund for First English's centennial renovation. The family expresses sincere appreciation to Lakewood Manor and Bon Secours Hospice for exemplary care. His witness continues in those who loved him as his whole life was a life of service to Christ.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.