Donald "Don" R McCrea

Cuyahoga Falls- Donald “Don” R. McCrea passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born April 11, 1949, in Akron to the late Paul and Trudy McCrea. He was raised and lived in Cuyahoga Falls, a 1967 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School. Don met his wife Demetrea in 1968, following an introduction from his sister, Phyllis. The two dated for a short time, marrying in 1971, spending 54 years together. 

 

Don was a jack of all trades, primarily enjoying construction and working for many years in the construction industry, retiring from the Ohio Turnpike Commission. He worked there for many years and held office in the Union. He was known as Mac to many he worked with.

 

Don was an avid outdoorsman, including fishing, hunting, trapping, gardening, and all things outside. Don taught his kids, and grandkids the love of fishing. He was proud to be a member of the Masons, holding 39 years of membership with the Coventry-Akron Lodge No. 83 F. & A.M of Ohio. Don and his wife volunteered for the local Habitat for Humanity, helping renovate apartments. Don was a lifelong avid Cleveland Browns fan and loved them - win or lose.  Don even took his sisters Phyllis and Barbara and they all got a Browns tattoo together.

 

Left to cherish his memory are, his wife, Demetrea; son, Heath McCrea of Chicago; grandchildren, Chelsea, Rachel, Mikey, Destiny, Taylor, and Owen; 4 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, David Sprague; siblings, Robert (Terry) McCrea, Phyllis (John) Belcher, and Barbara McCrea; and brother-in-law and friend, Gary (Jan) Botkins.

 

Don was preceded in death by, his parents; daughters, Michelle Sprague, and Christine McCrea; grandson, Donald Jacob Sprague; and brother, David McCrea.

 

The family would like to extend a thank you to Hospice of Western Reserve for their care and kindness during this time.

 

A celebration of life to honor Don will be held, May 1, at 4:00 pm, with an hour of calling starting directly before at 3:00 pm, at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home in Cuyahoga Falls. 

 

In lieu of other remembrances, memorials may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, Click here to donate

 

To view tribute video, send condolences or sign the guest book, please visit www.cliffordshoemaker.com