Butch Crum

Earl Ansiel Butch Crum, 69, of Safford, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011 at his home in Safford, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 5, 1941 in Safford, to Wesley Willard Crum and Wanda Jean Thatcher. He married Nancy Davis on September 17, 1960 in Morenci. Butch spent his entire life here in the Gila Valley, and he worked as a car salesman for over thirty years in the valley. He graduated from Duncan High School and attended EAC. He was an avid bowler; he even bowled a 300, a perfect game. Loved to fish, camp, restore classic cars, and playing Texas Holdem, with his family and friends. Some of the most meaningful events of his life were when he celebrated his 50th Wedding Anniversary, in September of 2010 with his sweetheart Nancy. His family considered it a miracle since he struggled with heart disease since age 31, after three heart surgeries; he was blessed with a heart transplant on Christmas Day in 1996. Butch endured over thirty surgeries in his life time, never complaining but enjoying what time he had to offer. He continued working until retirement age in 2008. He was happiest when he was spending time with his family. The same year he retired he was diagnosed with cancer. He fought that battle until his death, with the support of his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Crum of Safford; son, Steven Crum, of Safford; daughters, Brenda (Rusty) Sherman, and Shauna (Troy) Goodman all of Safford; Siblings, Janell (Ace) Nichols of Safford, David (Kathy) Crum of Safford, Ray (Gerry) Crum of Pecos, TX, Eddie Crum, Connie Wilhoit, and Sherry Johnson; 11 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Wanda & Wesley Crum; a son, Kenneth Crum; in laws Claude and Christine Davis; step mother Gerry Vaughn; brothers, Chuck and Wade Crum; granddaughter, Stephanie Crum and Son-in-law, Lance Butch Nohl. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at the Mt. Graham LDS Chapel. Friends may call on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Caldwell Funeral Chapel, and one hour prior to service on Wednesday at the church. Interment will be in the Pima Cemetery. Family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.