Basil Crutchfield

Basil E. Crutchfield

Age 85 of Wilmington, passed away Sunday December 23, 2012 at his home.

Born April 16, 1927 in O'Fallon, Illinois, Basil was a son of the late Alva Nathan and Mildred June Kagy-Crutchfield. He moved to Wilmington at the age of 15 and went to serve with the United Navy at the age of 17. After actively serving for 2 years, Basil returned to Wilmington, where he graduated from Wilmington High School and continued in the Reserves until being honorably discharged in 1951. On March 4, 1951, Basil married Anna E. Baker in the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, and she preceded him earlier this year on August 3rd, 2012. Basil worked as a Carpenter and retired from the Carpenters Local #174 in Joliet. He was a member of the Wilmington Lodge #208 AF&AM, First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington and the 'Crazy 8+1' group. Basil enjoyed golf, hunting and fishing, and could often be found playing cards. He traveled with his brother Barney and his associates for many Wendy's Restaurant outings and charity events over the years, and was a great St. Louis Cardinals fan. He took pleasure in being involved with his children and grandchildren; following them in their school sports and activities. Basil will also be remembered for his annual vacations and trips which included his kids and grandkids.

Survivors include his three children: Thomas (Christine) Crutchfield of Wilmington, Sue Kohl (Greg Darrow) of Solon, Iowa, and Gary (Christal) Crutchfield of Wilmington; grandchildren: Adam (Ines) McCanna of Oregon City, Oregon, Abbey (Chris) Cartwright of Lockport, Aaron Crutchfield of Springfield, Missouri, Amber Crutchfield, Eric Crutchfield and Andy Crutchfield, all of Wilmington, Matthew (Kate) Crutchfield of Joliet and Josh Crutchfield of Bloomington; great-grandchildren: Lucas, Logan and Grant McCanna, all of Oregon City, Oregon; two sisters: Rose (Henry) Alberico and Ruth (Don) Gresham and one brother Bob (Becky) Crutchfield, all of Wilmington, and two brothers-in-law: James (Norma) Baker of Manhattan and Joseph Baker of Peotone, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Basil was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ann; two brothers: Bill (Clarie) Crutchfield and Barney (Leanna) Crutchfield, and one sister in infancy.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held at the Wilmington Masonic Lodge, 311 North Main Street (at Van Buren Street) in Wilmington on Thursday December 27, 2012 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM. Masonic services will be conducted at 7:00PM. Funeral services will then follow Friday December 28th at 11:00AM in the First Presbyterian Church, 301 North Kankakee Street (at Van Buren Street) in Wilmington. Pastor Jan Chandler will officiate. A memorial luncheon will immediately follow the services and burial will be held at 2:30PM in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where full military honors will be conducted.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Basil's memory to: Hospice of the Kankakee Valley, 482 Main Street NW, Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914 (www.HKVCares.com), First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, 301 North Kankakee Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 or to the Wilmington Masonic Lodge #208, 311 North Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)