Joseph W. “Joe” Crume, Jr.

Joseph W. "Joe" Crume, Jr., 91 of Tipton died at 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at his residence. He was born March 31, 1924 in Howard County to Joseph W. Crume, Sr. and Nancy (Hawn) Crume. On October 20, 1946 he married Phyllis Albright and she survives.

Joe was a life-long farmer and his small farm was his pride and joy. For many years he was an auto mechanic for Jack Barnes, Stu Haynes and Tipton Ford. He was employed at Textron Airfoil in Elwood from 1966-1989.

Joe served in the Army-Air Corps during WWII. He was a life member of the Air Force Association and was a member of the Caterpillar Club for being saved by a parachute in an emergency jump. He belonged to the VFW and the American Legion. He had attended many 58th Bomb Wing Reunions. Joe was a licensed pilot and loved aircraft, aviation and restoring his Aeronca Chief airplane.

He was very proud of his service in WWII. He was a tail gunner in the B-29 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal for his combat missions in the Pacific Theater.

Survivors besides his wife Phyllis include two daughters, Susan Wall and husband Brent, Martinsville, and Sarah Crume, Tipton; two sisters, Kate Marlin, Rensselaer and Maxine Crail, Texas; a special nephew, Jim Osborn, Tipton. Joe was preceded in death by one brother and several sisters.

Joe Crume is fondly remembered as a wonderful man – a good husband, father and provider. His examples of hard work, honesty and courage will be treasured by his family.

He passed quietly at home in the presence of his family.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Thursday, September 17, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home in Tipton with visitation that morning from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Burial in Marion National Cemetery with military honors is scheduled at 2:00 p.m. Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida, 32256.