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Richard Cripe Obituary
Dick was born April 12, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio., a son of Glen "Dutch" and Bess (Beaty) Cripe.
He graduated in 1950 from Morgan Park High School in Chicago and received a master's degree in counseling and industrial arts from Western Michigan University. Dick served in the U.S. Army. On Nov. 26, 1960, he married Doris Jane Phillips in Dowagiac. She preceded him in death July 9, 2002.
Dick was employed by Centreville schools from 1958 to 1968 as an industrial arts teacher. He was instrumental in the establishment of Glen Oaks Community College in 1968 and was an original faculty member, serving as counselor and professor of psychology and education until his retirement in 1992. Dick received the honor of professor emeritus of Glen Oaks.
Dick was an active member of Centreville United Methodist Church, both locally and at the district level. He served on many committees, was a lay speaker, Stephen minister, youth leader and camp counselor. He spent many hours restoring Nottawa Stone School, serving as curator for 40 years. Dick will always be remembered and dearly missed as our local historian, who was always willing to share his knowledge and wisdom with his community.
Dick is survived by a daughter, Cathleen Carpenter of Centreville; a son, William (Michele) Cripe of Centreville; grandchildren Christopher, Adam and Caitlin Carpenter, and Phillip and Alexander Cripe; and his special friends Steve and Sharon Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Doris.
Relatives and friends will be received 2-7 p.m. Thursday at Eley Funeral Home, Centreville. Religious services will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Centreville United Methodist Church, with Pastor Michael Vollmer officiating. Interment will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury, Ind.
Memorial contributions may be given in Dick's honor to Centreville United Methodist Church. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cripe
Sponsored by Eley Funeral Homes, Inc. - Centreville.
Helen Fahey
August 2, 2019
Dick was a teacher way back during my high school days and was a good friend to the Rothney family. He was instrumental in Dad getting a good job at Glen Oaks when my parents retired from the Foreign Service in Nigeria. We always made it a point when we came back to Centreville in connecting with Dick and having a meal together. He will be missed.
Nancy Gamble
July 25, 2019
I have so many memories of Mr. Cripe and family I wouldn't know where to start. From being a wonderful neighbor while I was growing up, to giving me kind words thru some rough times, to giving my kids some wonderful memories, to speaking so eloquently at my dad's memorial service. You will be missed, Mr. Cripe. Rest in Peace.
Diana Wykenham
July 25, 2019
While I only met Dick a few times, it was enough to know God was at work within and through him. He was a gentle and joyful man.
Jack Frost
July 25, 2019
Miss You Uncle Dick or Richard A as my mom would call you. You were such a big part of our Families lives. I know we will see you and Aunt DoDo or Doris again! Love Ya !!!! Frost Family
John Johnson
July 24, 2019
Bill, Michele, Cathy and families, I am so sorry for your loss. I hold wonderful memories of dad Cripe and spending time with your entire family; trips to Crystal Springs, Oliver Lake, Chicago and just "family" time at your home in Centreville. Dick was a treasure to his family, his church and his community. His passion for his family, his cars and memorabilia, Glen Oaks Community College, and everything St Joe County will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace with Mom Doris.
Marianne Halterman
July 24, 2019
To the Cripe family, Please accept my sympathy on the loss of Richard Cripe. Dr. Dick was a great guy. I worked for him at Glen Oaks when he and Dr. Blesch and Dick Schlimgen worked there in the Admissions office. I will never forget his kindness, mentoring and good humor!
Marianne F. Halterman
jody dobrowolski
July 23, 2019
So sorry to hear the passing of your dad - he is a Centreville legend and will be missed.
Pat Easterday
July 23, 2019
So sorry for your loss and also our loss as he had so much knowledge of so many things. Ernie and I enjoyed our trips to Sauder Village with him. Still remember the time that he ask me to make a "hush cover" for one of his items in his beloved Nottawa Stone School. All of the church family will miss him. Prayers for your family.
Michelle Percival
July 23, 2019
To the family of Mr. Cripe,
My deepest condolences to you all on the passing of an amazing man. I graduated from Glen Oaks in 1987 and Mr. Cripe was personally instrumental in my getting into Michigan State University as a transfer student after I had been rejected. I went on to graduate from MSU and will always hold him close to me because of the opportunity he gave to me. Please know you are all in my prayers during this difficult time.
In Sympathy,
Michelle Percival
GOCC 87
MSU 89
Beverly Andrews
July 23, 2019
Dick was very caring and helpful to the students and staff of Glen Oaks. He and Steve redid a treasured piece of furniture for me and helped me through the grief of the death of my Mother in 1992. He was a true gem. My heartfelt condolences to all of the family.
Linda Fanning
July 23, 2019
My prayers are with your family as they navigate these difficult times. Cherish your wonderful memories. Dick was a wonderful person to work with and I enjoyed are chats at Glen Oaks.
Julie Beal
July 23, 2019
Dick was a very special man, teacher, historian, and friend. Our lives have been enriched by knowing and working with him through the years. Love and prayers for the family.
Glen Oaks Community College President's Office
July 23, 2019
Glen Oaks Community sends our deepest sympathy. Dick will be missed by all that knew him. He was a true gem and helped to pave an educational road for so many. We are sending our heartfelt thoughts & prayers to the Cripe family.
Larry and Pearl Lindsley
July 23, 2019
Dear Friend and mentor
Well miss you so much
Jennifer (Durham) Adams
July 23, 2019
Mr. Cripe was a civic treasure. Bless him for a life of preserving our past and promoting our community's future.
Mike Bainbridge
July 23, 2019
A great teacher, mentor, administrator, friend, and community member. A man that I admired and wish I could emulate.
Kay Bickle
July 22, 2019
I will miss our visits and conversations on Dick's porch swing. I know he is happy to be reunited with his beloved Doris. He will be sorely missed by the Centreville community. RIP Mr. Cripe.
Shone Rhyner
July 22, 2019
He was such an interesting man and left a great legacy in our community and in his amazing family. God bless you all.
Colleen May
July 22, 2019
My heart goes out to all of you. Such a great man. Sending hugs and prayers to everyone.
Amy Ness (Hastings)
July 22, 2019
Bill and Michele, and Cathy and families, I am so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing and am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and a prominent figure in my childhood. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this very difficult time.
I can only hope that time will dull the pain of his loss while keeping your memories of him vibrant.
Kathy Pangle
July 22, 2019
I am so very sorry for your loss, he was so full of history, he will be missed. My dad and I are out of state but know your in thought and prayer.
Michelle Yoder (Gest)
July 22, 2019
My condolences to his family. Such an amazing man. You will be missed Mr. Cripe.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
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Eley Funeral Homes, Inc. - Centreville235 West Burr Oak Street PO Box 185, Centreville, MI 49032
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Eley Funeral Homes, Inc. - Centreville235 West Burr Oak Street PO Box 185, Centreville, MI 49032
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