Max Ray Crain – Sesser, IL

Max Ray Crain of Sesser, IL went to be with his Lord and Savior November 24, 2020.

He was born in Waltonville on October 24, 1933. His parents were Orville “Pete” and Alreva (Laur)Crain. He was married to Pauline Long on June 6, 1952. She preceded him in death. Together they had two children, Meindy (Glenn) Hamilton, Terry (Brad)Kirk all of Sesser. He married Donna Simpson on February 14, 1994. She has two children Shannon (Mike)Avery of Opdyke and Gary Vancil of Oklahoma. He had 5 grandchildren and 3 step-gandchildren, Lacy (Bryan) Woosley, Doug (Keri) Hamilton, Afton (Chad Szczeblewski), Dusty (Shea) Hamilton, Jordan(Brittany) Kirk, Amelia Avery, Joshua Avery and Tristen Vancil. He had 6 great-grandchildren Gabe and Carson Woolsey, Ryder Szczeblewski, Brantley, Harper and Kenzi Hamilton. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Maxine Rowley of Sesser and Mary Ann Evilsizer of Baytown, Texas, 3 nieces (Janet, Judy, Melody and 3 nephews (Steven, Bruce, Carl). Preceding him in death were his two brothers-in-law, Howard Rowley, Brad Evilsizer and nephew, Brian Evilsizer.

He was a hard working man. He retired after 35 years from the Illinois Department of Conservation. He was a farmer and a proud breeder of Red Poll cattle. He showed cattle in 13 different states, winning many awards. He was instrumental in the formation of Sesser Community Unit School and later the Sesser-Valier School District and served as one of its original board members. He was honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017. He,also, was at the forefront in establishing the Sesser Fire Protection District and served as one of its original board members. He was a member of the Sesser Masonic Lodge and served as its Worshipful Master. Many people will remember him as the man that drove their school bus.

His church life was important to him. He attended Sunfield United Methodist Church. He served the church in many capacities. His family we miss his prayers before Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

A memorial service will be held on December 1 at 11:00 in the parking lot of Eternal Friends in Christ, route 154 east of Sesser. Because of the threat of Covid, everyone is asked to remain in their cars and turn their car radio to 90.1 FM. His pastor, Bill Wiggs will officiate. Interment will follow at Union Primitive Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Sunfield United Methodist Church or SSM Health at Home Hospice of Illinois.