John W. "Bill" Crail

John W. 'Bill' Crail
age 90 passed away on Sept. 16, 2010 at his home in Mount Dora, Fla. John was a long time resident of Perry Heights and later resided in Walnut Creek, Ohio. John was born June 16, 1920 in Wellsburg, W.Va. He was the son of Olive and John L. Crail. He had two sisters, Flora McCann and Martha Saari who preceded him in death. John's many friends and family will always remember him as a man of great faith and unending personal warmth and optimism.
John married the love of his life, Sara 'Lynn' Robertson on March 16, 1942 at The Old Stone Church in Cleveland just before shipping out to the European theater during World War II where he earned five battle stars. John and Sara were married for nearly 65 years until Sara's passing in 2006. They were truly devoted to each other.
Thanks to the GI Bill, John earned a BA degree from Baldwin Wallace College. He became a business teacher at East Liverpool High School. After completing an MS at Kent State he served as a School Counselor at Sandy Valley and Massillon Washington High Schools. Later he became one of Ohio's first school psychologists. He was responsible for pupil services at Stark County Schools and ultimately became Director of Student Services for the Perry Local Schools until his retirement in 1981. John was very active in civic organizations including Perry Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on numerous local, regional and state professional boards and associations. He also served on the Stark Tuberculosis and Lung Association board. Much of his time and energy went toward his service to Trinity United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and worked on many committees and projects as a longtime faithful member. John loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit nearly every state and many other countries.
John is survived by his son, Marc and daughter-in-law Jayn Crail of Kent and Mount Dora, Fla., grandsons, Jon Crail of Geneva, Switzerland and Dan Crail of Cleveland. He has a devoted extended family with whom he remained close.
A memorial service is planned for 11:00 Saturday, Nov. 20th at Trinity United Methodist Church in Perry Heights so that all members of his family and friends can attend. Contact the church for details at 330. 477.1204 for details. In lieu of flowers, donations to Trinity Church would be welcomed. John and his family have appreciated the kindness and love shown by his former colleagues, fellow church members, friends and family. After his God, you meant everything to him.