No headline

Earl Arthur Crain, 85

Earl Crain passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on the evening of Oct. 13, 2017, after battling mesothelioma for over a year. He is now with his beloved Lord and Savior.

Earl was born on Aug. 17, 1932, in Galva, Ill. to Rosemary and Arthur Crain. He was raised by his grandparents and in 1952 enlisted in the Navy. He served in the Amphibs aboard the USS Rushmore and USS Rolette through December 1955, when he was honorably discharged at Treasure Island, Calif. Just prior to his discharge he met the love of his life, Helen, in San Francisco.

Earl and Helen were married in March, 1956. That evolved into almost 62 years of marriage. They relocated to San Jose, Calif. in 1957 and had two beautiful children, Earlene and Ronald. Earl attended San Jose City College. Upon graduation he became a draftsman/design engineer before becoming a franchisee for a 7-Eleven store. He retired in 1994 and at that time Earl and Helen moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Earl became an active member of the American Legion, with Post 14, and served twice as commander. He was also chairman of the Kootenai County Veterans Council. He served in the color guard for military funerals and other ceremonies. He also served as secretary/treasurer for the Rushmore Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two half-sisters, Becky Bisdorf and Shirley Smith, of Rock Island, Ill.

He is survived by his daughter, Earlene and son-in-law Robert Rogers of Garden Valley, Calif.; son, Ronald and daughter-in-law Nancy Crain, of Sebastopol, Calif.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren (fourth due in December); plus sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Robert Robarge; and six nieces and nephew.

As we are left to miss him — husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend — may our thoughts of him fill our hearts with joy and a smile! He loved you all with a passion that did not fade with his life. May he warm your hearts always!

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 at Yates Funeral Home-Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene; followed by a graveside service at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crest Home Health & Hospice, 700 Ironwood Drive, Suite 255, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Earl’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.