Howard D. Crain

Howard D. Crain, 89, of Independence, MO passed away March 1, 2015. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. service on Friday, March 6, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 112 W. 23rd St., Independence, MO. Burial will be held at Mt. Washington Cemetery. Howard was born July 25, 1925 in Graydon Springs, MO to Samuel and Edell (Smith) Crain. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving for four years during WWII. He retired from the Ford Motor Co. in 1980 after 30 years of service, and then enjoyed his work with Stephenson’s Apple Orchard. Also in 1980, he and his wife became foster parents, keeping over 226 babies over a 32 year period. For 40 years, the family worshiped at Immanuel Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. In 2000, the family joined the First Baptist Church of Raytown, MO. Here Howard sang in the choir for many years until his health failed. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; one brother; and son-in-law, Douglas Aldridge. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Benette Crain; three children, Deborah Remy and husband Kim, Martha Aldridge and husband Brian Eagan, Gina Crain; two sisters, Oleta Eklof and husband Paul, Norma Green; one brother, Glen Crain and wife Darlene; four grandchildren, Lorna Hill, Elizabeth Newberry, Jonathan Aldridge and Rebecca Rosemary Crain; four great grandchildren, James Hill, Reagan Hill, Luci Hill and Mason Newberry; sister-in-law, Alice Crain; and many nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)