HAROLD CRAIN

June 19, 1923 - May 17, 2013 OKLAHOMA CITY Harold Crain was born on June 19, 1923, to Clyde and Mattie Crain in Oklahoma City, OK. One of four children, he attended various schools in Oklahoma, Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas as the family moved with the opening of various oil fields. Harold enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the outbreak of WW II, serving honorably in many assignments. Following the declaration of peace, Harold chose to make a career in the service. He married Jean Joan Renfro at First Unitarian Church in Oklahoma City on March 27, 1948, and they eventually had five children. He served in Korea and was stationed in San Diego; Gulfport, MS; Ankara, Turkey; and Washington, DC, before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1964. He then returned to Oklahoma City with his family to begin a career in teaching. After receiving his teaching degree from Central State College in 1965, Harold first taught Math at Hoover Junior High before being named Assistant Principal at Northwest Classen in 1968. In 1970, he became Principal of U.S. Grant High School. In 1973, Harold accepted the honor of being designated the first white Principal of Douglass High School. In order to spend more time with his wife after years of service there, he became Principal of Capitol Hill and Harding Middle Schools before concluding his education career with Oklahoma City Public Schools by teaching Math at Taft Middle School. He retired in 1988, having received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Oklahoma. Due to concerns for his wife's health, Harold served as companion, husband, friend and caregiver until her passing in 2003. He remained active and healthy until 2012, serving as a guide at the Oklahoma History Center, writing family genealogies and visiting family and relatives. He spent the last year of his life under the care of his children, David, of Edmond; Daniel and Carol, of Plano, TX; Russell and D'Ann, of Oklahoma City; Carol, of Oklahoma City; and Brian and Lori, of Tulsa; his eight grandchildren, Ashley, Colin, Claire, Stephen, Sarah, Callie, Catherine and Christian; and his three great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Caroline and Caleb. Harold passed peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2013. Harold leaves behind a legacy of love for God, his family and his friends. He was proud of his service to his country and to the many students who were entrusted to his care. His family is at peace, knowing that Heaven is now receiving Attention to Orders as its newest entrant begins his tour of duty under our Sovereign and Eternal Father with his wife again at his side. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, under the direction of Mercer-Adams Funeral Service at 3925 N. Asbury in Bethany. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Baptist Children's Home. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com www.mercer-adams.com