John Crumley

John E. Crumley, 1930-2018, of Hilliard, son of John and Helen Crumley, passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, April 6, 2018. John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beve Crumley; his children and grandchildren, Holli(Roger) Mills, Julie (Rick) Graham, Tim (Julieth) Crumley, Joshua (Alison) Crumley, Amy Murray, Sean Murray, Ben Graham, Nathan (Jacci) Graham, Gisela Crumley, Camilo Crumley, Bree Crumley, John Crumley, Tanner Crumley Iris Crumley, and Cooper Betz. John grew up in Marshallville, Ohio. John’s love for music began at the young age of 10, when his parents would take him to see live performances of big bands at the Palace Theatre after his trumpet music lessons. From those experiences, John knew he wanted to be involved with music. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in Music Education. During his time at the University, he learned he would eventually be drafted, so instead he decided to volunteer and try out for the 36th Army Band. His try out was a success, and while being stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, he married the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Beve Norman on December, 23rd 1956. John then went on to earn his Master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Music Education and taught for a few years in the towns of Newcomerstown, Akron, and Ashville, Ohio. Eventually, the young couple built their home and settled in Hilliard, OH. When John began his career in Hilliard, the band included 32 players and nine majorettes. By the time John retired in 1995, the band had grown to 220 players strong. John taught in the public education systems for 41 years. He was known throughout the community as a music enthusiastic and advocate, supporting any student willing to put in the effort. One of his greatest pleasures was to empower young musicians in any aspect he could. It was never a job to John - he loved being with students of all ages and enjoyed helping them excel. John’s musicianship did not go unnoticed, as he was a contributing member to the music community, teaching private lessons for 63 years, and judging music competitions for over 50 years. Since 1964, John was a member of the American School Band Directors Association and later received the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award for Career Achievement in Music Education from Kent State University and was inducted into the Ohio Band Directors Hall of Fame by Akron University. In 1998, with the support of his family and friends, John recruited past students and people from all over Ohio and founded the Hilliard Community Band. Over the course of the next 19 years, John recruited hundreds of members. He never missed a beat - running rehearsals every Thursday evening throughout the entire duration of the summer season, while spending his downtime planning what to perform next. John was later inducted into the Hilliard Retired Persons Hall of Fame. Although John was a music man, he was also a family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family as much as possible. He had many interests including; playing with his grandchildren, racing model airplanes, collecting toys, making toys, crafting furniture, gardening, going to drumcore shows, concerts, and flea markets. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing John E. Crumley knows that he was a man of will and love. He loved his wife, Beve and his friends, family, and community very much. He will be missed by all those who loved him and his legacy will not be forgotten. “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” Calling hours will be on Saturday, April 14th from 4-7pm at Tidd Funeral Home in Hilliard, OH. A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, April 15th at 2pm at the Hilliard United Methodist Church on 5445 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard, OH. Pastor April Blain Officiating. In lieu of flowers donation may be sent to: Hilliard Alumni Association, John Crumley Music Scholarship, 3644 Whitworth Way, Columbus, OH 43228.