Miles D Crumley

Miles D. Crumley 95, of West Salem peacefully passed away on April 10, 2024 at LifeCare Hospice.

He was the youngest of four children born to Cletus and Hazel (Aiken) Crumley on September 26, 1928. Growing up on the family farm, he raced ponies with his brother at the Wayne County Fair, milked cows and raised pigs and sheep.

He graduated from Congress High School in 1946 and served three years in the United States Air Force as an airplane engine mechanic. He married the love of his life, Pauline (Reed) on October 9, 1949. She worked tirelessly by his side on their dairy farm where together, they raised four sons. Each summer they spent a week at Rice Lake in Canada for lots of fishing and family fun. These were some of their best memories.

Miles loved to sing and was in the choir at Congress Community Church, serving on the church board and attending faithfully. He was a Congress township trustee and enjoyed bowling, playing cards with friends, hunting and fishing when he was not milking cows or farming.

Many who know him would describe him and a quiet, kind and hard-working man who easily gave a smile, giggle and hugs.

His past year was spent, not on the farm, but as a resident at Danbury Senior Living in Wooster. While there, he made many friends and was loved and cared for by the wonderful nurses, aides, activities coordinators and all staff. He enjoyed his exercise classes, whether it was chair yoga, Zumba, Chair Chi, rhythmic drumming or just strolling around outside. Bingo was also a favorite, especially when he filled his pocket with chocolate candy prize winnings. He was part of the “Lunch Bunch” that took bus trips to eat out or just get his favorite treat… ice cream. Crafts, cooking class and planting flowers on the patio were other activities that filled his day. Along with all of the love and attention poured out on him, the caring and concern of everyone at Danbury when he became ill was so heartwarming to us all. We thank you, staff and friends, from the bottom of our hearts.

Miles is survived by his four sons: Larry (Bev) of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Dave (Sherry), Durbin (Deb) both of Wooster and Keith (Lillian) of West Salem. His thirteen grandchildren were a source of joy to him: Jody Burtt, Chad, Blaine, Nathaniel, Asheley Crist, Gabriel, Michaela Woomer, Jason, Justin, Josef, Derek, Evan and Brady. Some of their favorite memories of spending time on the farm were playing “kick the can”, sliding in the corn crib, making straw mazes in the barn, feeding baby calves, swimming and fishing at the farm pond and finishing off the day with homemade ice cream. He was also blessed with twenty-one great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Pauline, his brother John, sisters, Dora Deane Moore and Betty Wohlgamuth, and grandson, Justin Crumley.

Friends and family are welcome to gather at Congress Community Church on Saturday, April 20th. Calling hours will be from 11am - 1pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service. Burial at Congress Cemetery where Military Rites will be conducted by James Stevenson American Legion Post 499 of West Salem. Matteson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kathleen Fearon, Danbury staff and Hospice staff for their compassion and loving care of our Dad. You were a blessing to all of us. 

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ohio’s LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd. Wooster, OH 44691 or Congress Community Church 10691 Franchester Rd. West Salem, OH 44287.

As some people journey through life, they leave footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Even when they are gone, the trail they’ve left behind continues to inspire us.

Miles was loved by all and memories will be treasured forever in our hearts of our dear Dad, Grandpa, Uncle and Friend.

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