Richard Wedding “Dick” Crain died peacefully at Hinsdale Hospital, on Sunday, March 26, 2017 in Hinsdale, Illinois at the age of 83.
Dick was born on February 12, 1934 in Freeport, IL to Francis and Belva Wedding Crain. He graduated from Western Illinois University in 1956 with a degree in Chemistry. While at Western, he became a proud member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, and was the chapter’s President during his senior year. Upon graduation, he married Susie Walton Sears in August of 1956. He taught high school science in Shannon, IL for two years, before moving to Berwyn, IL and accepting a sales position at Industrial Filter and Pump Co. in Cicero, IL. He spent 30 successful years at Industrial, becoming Vice President of Sales. After leaving Industrial, he also applied his considerable skills and expertise with positions as General Manager of Serfilco in Northbrook, IL, and Executive Director of the Metal Finishing Supplier’s Association. Dick was the author and inventor of three patents in the pollution abatement field. He also owned and operated his own consulting company, Monitor Consultants LLC. In retirement, he served as an environmental consultant for Indian Head Park, IL, where he and Susie resided.
Dick enjoyed traveling throughout the world for work, and with Susie. He also loved playing golf and gin rummy with friends at the La Grange Country Club, where he was a long-time member and the club’s President in 1985-1986. Most of all, he loved his family dearly.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Susie; sons Scot (Elena) of Willow Street, PA; and David (Janet Bice) of Evanston; a brother, Steven (Linda) of Branson, MO and a sister, Judith Shaffer of Myrtle Beach, SC; four grandchildren, Caitlin (fiancé Steve Savoldelli), Peter (fiancée Serena Fahnbulleh), Sam, and Thomas (Marlena); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Belva Crain, and his brother, James (Sandra).
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, March 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hallowell and James Funeral Home, located at 1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of La Grange, located at 20 N. Ashland, La Grange, IL 60525. Interment at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, with a reception to follow at La Grange Country Club, at 620 S Brainard Ave., La Grange, IL 60525. Rev. Erica Van Brakle will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dick’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The First Baptist Church of La Grange at the above address, or Dick’s college fraternity, the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation at 2960 N. Meridian Street, P.O. Box 88507, Indianapolis, IN 46208.