- Date Of Birth: June 13, 1922
- Date Of Death: November 16, 2007
- State: Illinois
Edward Dale Crowcroft, 85, of Jacksonville, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
He was born June 13, 1922, in Roodhouse, the son of John and Anna Eckhoff Crowcroft. He married June Beerup on May 3, 1942, in Jacksonville and she preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 1991. He later married Edith Reed Cox on Oct. 22, 1994, in Jacksonville and she survives.
He is also survived by one daughter, Patricia Ann (husband, Wayne) Pennell of Jacksonville; one son, Edward Dale (wife, Jean) Crowcroft, Jr. of Springfield; three granddaughters, Alicia (husband, Chip) Grimm of Springfield; and Heather and Emily Crowcroft, both of Springfield; one grandson, Scott (wife, Lara) Crouse of San Diego, Ca.; three great-granddaughters and one great-grandson; four step-children, Edward Cox of Encinitas, Ca., Meredith (husband, Phil) Houle of Urbandale, Iowa, John Cox (longtime companion, Susan Muskat) of Minneapolis, Minn., and Ron Cox (fianc©, Cindy Livingston) of Detroit, Mich.; seven step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ross (surviving wife, Irene of Plainfield); and one sister, Lois Winter.
Mr. Crowcroft graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1940. He flew thirty-three missions as a bombardier with the U.S. Eighth Air Force during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Theatre Ribbon with Four Battle Stars. He also served during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954.
In 1945, Mr. Crowcroft began his career as a journeyman carpenter, retiring in 1985. He also served as Village of South Jacksonville Building Inspector for four years. He was Chairman of the Board of Managers for Jacksonville City Cemeteries for twelve years, was a member of the Board of Council on Aging, and a Life Member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, serving as Noble Grand from 1951-1952. He was a Life Member for over sixty years of American Legion Post 274, a Charter Member and Life Member of Amvets Post 100, and a member of the V.F.W. He was also a Life Member of Harmony Lodge #3 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, serving as Worshipful Master in 1964 and 2001, as Secretary for eleven years and Grand Lecturer for over thirty years. Dale was Past High Priest Royal Arch Masons, Past Thrice Illustrious Master Council & Select Masters, Past Commander Hopitaller Commandery, Past Monarch Zingabad Grotto, Past Most Wise Master Chapter of Rose Croix, and Past Sovereign Red Cross of Constantine. He was a holder Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Honorary DeMolay Legion of Honor, Rainbow Grand Cross of Color, was 2005 Grotto Mason of the Year of Illinois, member Ansar Shrine, Chairman of Masonic Board of Control for forty years, Member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Valley of Springfield 33rd Degree. He was a Life Member Knight Masons and Member Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests.
Mr. Crowcroft was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, having served as Chairman of both the Trustees and Finance Committee, and as church treasurer. He also volunteered his time as handyman for the church, making the Cross, the Communion Cup Holders and the table for the Bell Ringers in the Sanctuary, helped remodel the kitchen, install the elevator, and worked on the Youth Room and the outdoor church sign.
