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David Crain Obituary
September 26, 1969 - August 19, 2024
Lexington , Kentucky - David Louis Crain M.D., 54, of Lexington, passed away on August 19th, 2024, after fulfilling a tremendous life.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 26, 1969, to loving parents Maragret and Oscar Crain, David was raised in Hardyville, Kentucky, where he notably attained his gentle and steadfast nature by which we had the honor to behold. A consummate scholar, David flourished in his academic pursuits, graduating from Hart County High School in 1987, Vanderbilt University in 1991, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1995, and completing General Surgery Residency at the University of Kentucky in 2000. David Crain devoted his medical career to the preservation and promotion of human life; his benevolent and tireless service restored and enriched countless individuals, patients and colleagues alike.
David Crain was unwavering and exemplary in all facets of pursuit, including his role as a loving husband, father, son, and friend. David was an adoring father to Daniel and Katherine Crain and husband to Penny Crain, who now have the privilege of upholding his memory. David also extended his devotion to two exchange students, Candela and Guillermo Arias. A mention of each friend and chosen family member of David would be innumerable, per David's tendency to impact the lives of anyone on his path. To say David Crain will be dearly and profoundly missed would be an understatement.
In his pastime, David could be found at a sporting event among cherished friends, spending quality time with his wife and children, preparing something delicious on the grill, participating at First United Methodist Church, or simply giving his grand-cat, Anthony, some much-needed attention. David Louis Crain appreciated all the finer things in life, including God, family, friends, service to anyone in need, and the occasional trip to France.
May we all emulate his life and virtue.
In lieu of flowers, David requested donations be made to Lexington Rescue Mission, with information provided below. https://lexingtonrescue.org/ For Tours and Donations: 535 West Second Street Lexington, KY 40508. www.milwardfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Crain
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
Cheryl Higdon
May 14, 2025
Our family loved Dr. Crain he took care of my son when he´s e was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 35 . He was our hero ! I know he had a tough go out it and we are so sorry for your lose . We always ask about him but just found out about your loss . Prayers to all
Darlene Kennedy
December 17, 2024
I just found out today about Dr Crain passing away and I hated to hear it so much. I truly believe Dr Crain and the good Lord saved my life several years ago. He started surgery on me but he stopped for he did not feel safe going any further. He got me into a wonderful Gastroenterologist in Louisville. Plus he saved my friend who was bleeding severely inside and I asked for Dr Crain specifically for I knew he was the best surgeon. He came right to the room and saw us and he said he had one more surgery to do but he saw the bad situation and he got my friend in next to surgery. He saved my life and my friends life. He was such a good surgeon and very personable as well. So polite and caring. I know he will be dearly missed. He left a lasting mark on me. RIP Dr Crain.
Daniel Pickerell
September 9, 2024
Cared for my father and myself
Terribly sorry. A huge loss
Terry Daniel Pickerell
Tammy Ray
September 1, 2024
Deepest sympathy to the Crain family. I´m so sorry for your tremendous loss. Dr. Crain treated my mother several years ago and made a huge impact in her life. His loss will be felt by the many families he touched through his work over the years as well. Praying for peace in your family and in your hearts in the years to come.
Hans Mouser
August 30, 2024
Dr. Crain allowed me to shadow him at HMH as an undergraduate and inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. I will always be appreciative of the time he spent answering my questions and the example he provided of how a physician should practice. He was an excellent surgeon and a better person.
Bettye Russell
August 28, 2024
My Prayers go out to family and all who loved him. My Mom was one of his first patients when he came to HMH. He also took care of my husband and myself. Great surgeon but also a great person.
Vanessa Dunn
August 26, 2024
My heart hurts so much for all of you. Love prayers a lots of hugs. Dr Crain did my first colonoscopy an also did surgery on
My mom. He will diffently be missed. God got a perfect angel. Love to you all.
Pam Cunningham
August 24, 2024
I was a unit secretary on same day surgery.When I had the honor of knowing Dr. Crain. My condolences in the loss of your husband and father.
Carolyn Morgan Smith
August 24, 2024
Although he did not know me, Dr. Crain saved my life one morning a few years ago. He was summoned as he made hospital rounds, and I was in ER needing emergency surgery. When he laid his hand on my arm and said, "I´m cancelling my appointments, and I´m going to take care of you right now," I knew God had sent the right person to me. I´ll always be grateful. I mourn his loss with his beloved wife and children and pray for God´s comfort.
Sheila Woerth
August 24, 2024
I knew David from doing surgical cases with him in the VA OR. David, who was invited to come and he invited Penny to come to our home almost every Sunday night for dinner. After the first dinner, Penny told Knute she´d come even if David was busy at work! My husband, Knute, cooked dinner for the surgical residents (and two medical residents) for ten years. Daniel and Katherine came, too, when they were very young. The residents´ job was to bring dessert. Penny and David have been absolute joys to me and my family. They were there for me when Knute passed away. I´ll always be there for Penny and the kids.
Irene Brooks
August 23, 2024
So very sorry for your loss to the family of Dr David Crain. He was our surgeon and greatly respected. Very sad to hear of his passing. He had such a gentle presence. Prayers for the family!
Belinda Hodges
August 23, 2024
Our deepest and most sincere condolences. Todd & Belinda Hodges
C
August 23, 2024
Praying for his family and mourning the loss of a kind, gentle, positive spirit. At his sickest, he still had the biggest smile and appreciation of others.
DR AL PELPHREY
August 23, 2024
I am heart broken; not for the loss of a long time friend, but for the loss of a new friend that I was just beginning to know! I met David and Penny at First United Methodist as I believe I stole their usual seats when I started attending. :-) David was ALWAYS in a great mood even while dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Our only time to have lunch was at a new sandwich shoppe here in Lexington. David loved it!! He was literally exuberant with excitement about a "new restaurant that he could share with Penny"!! I will miss my new friend, I will grieve the loss of what our friendship might have been! One rarely makes "real" new friends later in life and I felt like I had beat the odds when I met David. He always was quick to ask about how "I was doing" (as I have faced some medical issues of my own) before I could ask about him. And when I did manage to ask about his condition and how he was doing==NEVER did he ever complain. David was always positive! Penny, Daniel and Kathryn I will be here for you anytime you have a need. I love you all and I am so sorry you are experiencing this. All my love....
Jane Pike Tabacchi
August 22, 2024
Dr Crain was not only a compassionate surgeon, he was a good neighbor to my friend, Mr . Butch . My young great niece and nephew were so excited when he was outside, mowing his lawn or working with his flowers. They cherished the attention he showered on them. RIP Dr Crain!
Mike Bell
August 22, 2024
My heart breaks for you all. Truly a great man with a heart that reached so many. And his memory WOW. My thoughts and prayer are with uou
Patty Mabe
August 22, 2024
Prayers to the family.
I worked with Dr Crain in the Main O R for many years. He was one of the best surgeons I ever worked with, he took care of many of my family and myself. He will truly be missed.
Deedie Edwards
August 22, 2024
Prayers to the family. Dr. Crain was my doctor, with his skill and the timing of surgery, I'm still alive. My heart goes out to you.
Vicky Jewell
August 22, 2024
Prayers for the family, such a wonderful dr . Such a nice man and so friendly to everyone!!
Prayers , Vicky
Jewell
Michelle Wheeler
August 22, 2024
I had the pleasure to know Dr. Crain my whole family loved him, especially my mother. He was an amazing Doctor for my mother until her life ended, I so greatly appreciated him coming to the funeral home. It was heartbreaking to hear of his illness, he'll be greatly messed by many people who's life he touched. He was an one in a million Doctor. RIP David.
Nedra Charbonneau
August 22, 2024
David was unique as an individual and as a Doctor.... Not controlled by ego. Good man gone too soon!
Condolences to Dr. Penny, Katherine and Daniel.
Friend, Nedra Charbonneau
Rick Kuchowicz
August 22, 2024
"Oh...Captain, my Captain. You truly owned your calling. I watched you try to ease people in vulnerable moments, at the bedside. I sent my family to seek your professional help when the occasion arose. We believed in you.
Shirley Foley
August 22, 2024
So sorry for the loss of Dr.Crain, I had the privilege of dealing with him once and was an excellent surgeon, his wife Penny has been our families dentist for years and is the warmest person. My Love and prayers go out to her and their children!
Susie Kinkade RN
August 22, 2024
I am so sad that this awesome surgeon who gave so much to the people in Hardin and surrounding counties has passed. He was such a gentle and caring person. A life that was definitely lived but too short. My condolences to his family.
Mona Coffey
August 22, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. Dr. Crain was such a kind and caring person with his patients and with staff members. I was blessed to work with him in OSEC at HMH. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kelly Kinslow
August 22, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. My heart breaks for you all. David was such a kind soft spoken person he will be greatly missed. Cherish all the memories and may the days and weeks get easier. You and the kids will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love You
L. Gail Hereford
August 22, 2024
Dr. Penny and family please accept my sincere condolences. I really liked Dr. Crain and trusted him as my surgeon. God Bless you all.
Gail Hereford
Pam Gregory
August 22, 2024
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was always kind and nice to everyone. He will definitely be missed! Condolences to the family.
Susie Shumate
August 22, 2024
Condolences for your loss. A former HMH RN and I were just talking about Dr. Crain the other day. Worked with him in the main OR and at the surgery center. He was a great surgeon and took care of several family members.
Sammy Vicki lawler
August 21, 2024
We watched David grow up from a boy to a fine Dr. He treated our family He was a wonderful Dr and man prayers for the family. Sammy and Vicki lawler
Fran Purchis
August 21, 2024
Dr Crain was mine and my husbands surgeon. He was kind and was always so friendly. We trusted his expertise and we knew he would take care of us. I am so sad that we have lost such a wonderful man.
Dianna Cothern
August 21, 2024
My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Dr. Crain was an amazing surgeon and friend to so many. He will be dearly missed.
Preadmission Testing, HMH
August 21, 2024
Dr. Crain will be remembered as an excellent physician and surgeon whose impact on his patients´ lives will remain. His genuine care was evident in his practice and his patients placed their trust in him and his skills. He will be long remembered.
Denise Stewart
August 21, 2024
So very sorry for your loss! I´m a long time patient of Dr. Crain´s. I loved him for his gentleness, professionalism & great bedside manner! He will truly be missed! Praying for all of the family!
Denise Vaught
August 21, 2024
In my heart - my thoughts - my prayers ... I am soooo sorry
Missy Cox McGinley
August 21, 2024
He was a sweet guy and I had the privilege to go to high school with him. RIP my friend ill see you when I get there. Love Missy Cox McGinley
Fred and Barbara Carroll
August 21, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was a wonderful surgeon and friend.
Karen Shelton
August 21, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Dr. Crain was one of the best surgeons I ever had the privilege to scrub with. He was a perfectionist and always professional. Sending prayers for comfort!
Neil Yates
August 21, 2024
Words can´t express my sadness at the loss of my surgeon colleague. What an outstanding individual and surgeon. So young and talented and at his prime. The good Lord just needed him up above. I have many fond memories of working with him. May he rest in peace
Amy Scheidemantel
August 21, 2024
I was a long time patient of Dr.Crain. He was an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner. He really cared about his patients and will be greatly missed. Sending lots of prayers to all his family, friends and loved ones
Brenda Sams
August 21, 2024
My sincere condolences. I knew Dr. Crain from working at HMH. He was so nice, patient and such a great person.
Pamela Barlow
August 21, 2024
I knew Dr. Crain by working with him at Hardin Memorial Hospital. He was a kind and wonderful man. I also knew him because he did surgery on me. He was a great doctor. I remember assisting him with inserting a central line. It was the first time I had assisted him. I was amazed that he cleaned up all the sharps himself! Generally physicians just left them for the nurses to clean up. He said it was safer to get them himself. He said he knew where he had put them all and he did not want anyone to get stuck. A little thing from years and years ago, but I never forgot it. I´m so sorry for your loss.
Maggie and Ron Lewis
August 21, 2024
Maggie and I would like to extend our Condolences to your family during this difficult time. We will always remember David as one of the finest Surgeons we have had the pleasure of ever working with. We will forever cherish his Friendship and the many Memories of tailgating at UK Football Games and the many stories we shared with Laughter.
Herbert Morris
August 21, 2024
Dr. Crain was a wonderful person and great Doctor. His patients loved him and he was a stranger to no one.. I worked at Hardin Memorial Hospital Elizabethtown, Ky. 1980- retired 2020. Last 30 plus yrs in MRI. So sorry for your loss
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