Name: Visitation for John W. Crum
Start: 2020-01-10T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-01-11T02:00:00.000Z
Location: McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike

John W. Crum

Wilmington - On Monday, December 30, 2019, John W. Crum, of Wilmington, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 78.

John was born on April 7, 1941, in Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania, to Lawrence and Nellie Crum. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated from Shippensburg University in 1964 with a BS in Education. He earned an MA and a PhD in History, both from the University of Delaware, in 1972 and 1980, respectively. John began teaching Social Studies at Mt. Pleasant High School in 1964, retiring in 2002, and was named the Brandywine School District's Teacher of the Year in 1983. He taught as an adjunct history professor at the University of Delaware from 1976 until October 2019. John was heavily involved in the Advanced Placement Program, writing AP test prep books, conducting workshops, and grading AP exams, and was the author of books to help students perform better in their history courses. He also was very involved in many church activities at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoyed reading mysteries, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Karen (Enck) Crum, daughters Laurette Crum of Alexandria, Virginia, and Leslie Loder (Rurik) of North East, Maryland, grandchildren Alexis and Holden Loder, brother James Crum of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on January 10, 2020 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, (Rt. 202 South of Silverside Road) Wilmington, DE 19803. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 11:00 a.m. at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1530 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1530 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 or to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202. To send condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Journal from Jan. 2 to Jan. 5, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Crum

Sponsored by McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike.

19 Entries

January 11, 2025

I just learned of Dr. Crum's passing from his wife's obituary. Dr. Crum was the best teacher I ever had, by far, and I attended some excellent schools after Mt.P. I always meant to write and tell him that, but sadly seem to have put it off too long.

In high school, my friends and I recognized that he was a great teacher, but it was only years later that I realized that I never again encountered someone with such a passion-and talent-for teaching. He made history come alive, and I think that has influenced the love I have of history to this day, some 30 years later. But more than history, he imparted life lessons. I don't remember many specifics of what I learned in his classes, but I vividly remember him telling us things like "read for pleasure, but also read books related to your profession, even if no one is asking you to." He also had a lot of advice about how to get taken seriously in the workplace; things other adults weren't necessarily telling us (but that we needed to know). He just wanted us to be good humans with full, productive lives. And he was funny. My god, was he funny.

He was also compassionate, which I've found does not often go hand-in-hand with rare talent. One time, before class, I came to him crying over some silly snub from another teacher. He took a lot of time away from the class just to let me vent about it. I never again had a teacher who would have done that for me. Again, this only really struck me once I was years out of school. I was one of those sulky kids with a bad home life, which few people knew, and it felt like he was one of the few adults who was actually rooting for me and thought I had some value in the world. Thank you, Dr. Crum, for that.

I'm sorry I didn't tell him all of this when I had a chance. One more lesson from Dr. Crum: if someone really meant something to your life, let them know.

My deepest condolences to his family on the loss of both parents.

Paul Scheet

January 16, 2020

John Crum was the epitome of a true gentleman. He was an AP colleague from the reading, he was my AP mentor, and he was a great friend even though I would only see him once a year. The world is not as good a place without him.

David Needs

January 10, 2020

Under the weather an unable and unwilling to share the bug I have with fellow mourners, I would like to say that teaching at Mount Pleasant with Dr. Crum was a true treasure. As fellow Social Studies teachers, it was obvious that John was the very best in our trade. In retirement, myself, my mind often goes back to our common experience on our common hallway, and realizing that when John left, a real void was experienced by our staff. John was the very best at what he did, and he was a terrific gentleman as well. I will continue to pray for his family and the pain of his loss to them and to all of us, who were blessed to know him.

Michele Yurechko

Sent Flowers

Lisa Busch

Sent Flowers

January 8, 2020

I was greatly saddened by Dr. Crum's passing. Hie was an AP colleague who generously gave of his time and advice. I will miss him.
Linda McKinstry Ursuline Academy

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

January 7, 2020

Dr. Crum was one of my idols. His breathtaking knowledge was matched only by his humility and generosity as a colleague. Many of us who taught (and still teach) U.S. history in Delaware owe much of our professional development to this amazing educator. I frequently consult his textbook in my lesson preparation and can hear his lively voice and humor shining through. He was a "teacher's teacher." Barbara Markham, Padua Academy.

Jason J

January 7, 2020

My sincerest condolences...I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Crum for a few years at DOE...he was a knowledgeable person to converse with

M D

January 7, 2020

Sending my condolences to Dr. Crums family. He was a great professor who will be missed.

Matthew Harbin

January 6, 2020

My deepest condolences to Dr. Crum's family on their loss. Dr. Crum was a wonderful and caring teacher. He instilled a life long love and understanding of the importance of history. I am saddened by his passing. He will be missed by many.

J J

January 6, 2020

A great teacher who will always be remembered.

Ralph Barbiero

January 6, 2020

Great colleague and friend, he will be missed.

January 5, 2020

The Barbers at Michaels send our condolences to the Crum family. John was a customer for many years and a pleasure to have in our shop, such a nice man we will surely miss him!

David Cooper

Sent Flowers

Chrysa Cohen

January 4, 2020

Inspiring, encouraging, positive...just a wonderful person! A favorite teacher who could bring history to life. Sending hugs and prayers to his family and friends. I am so sorry for their loss.

Marilyn Green

January 4, 2020

We got to know Dr Crum when he taught our children in high school. To this day we talk about what a fabulous person he was besides being an inspiring teacher. He would meet with his students in the evening to prepare for their AP exams, and for life. It was always obvious how much he cared about those under his charge. He stood far and above the ranks of those who choose to teach and encourage our children. He will be missed.

P R

January 3, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Great Teacher

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