Dean Cramer

Dean Cramer, 103, of Robinson, IL, died January 18, 2020, in the comfort of his granddaughter's home in Robinson. He was born October 11, 1916, in Bellair, IL, the son of James Cramer & Ethel (Freeland) Cramer, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Thelma Cox on September 30, 1941, and she preceded him in death on March 23, 1993. He was also preceded in death by his infant daughter, Leanna Sue Cramer on April 19, 1943; by his son, Dan P. Cramer on June 8, 2015; by his siblings, Mildred Lucille Barrett, Roy Cramer, Harold Garfield Cramer, Edwin Glen Cramer, and Irma A. Swope and Edith Giallombardo. He is survived by his grandchildren & their spouses, Lynda & Chris Hoke (Robinson, IL), Charley & Amanda Cramer (Everson, WA); by his great-grandchildren, Cadence Hoke, Willow Hoke, and Cowan Hoke (Robinson, IL); Ariel Cramer and Emmett Cramer (Everson, WA); great-great grandchildren Bentley Hoke and Morgan McDowell (Robinson, IL); by his special niece, Gladys Roberts (Annapolis, IL), as well as several other beloved nieces and nephews. ​Dean grew up in rural Bellair, where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. He would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He took part in the Pacific Theater, and was one of the first to enter Okinawa, where he served as a supply clerk. Back home from the war, he delivered milk for L.S. Heath before buying some land that he would farm over the next 60 years. It takes a special man with an extraordinary faith to be a farmer, but if you knew Dean, it was evident that he was a farmer, through and through! Much of his free time was spent outdoors and enjoyed countless hours quail hunting and fishing. Baseball season found him rooting for his beloved Chicago Cubs, and he was so thankful that he was able to watch them win the World Series in 2016. Later on in his life, Dean spent nearly every morning playing pool in Oblong, and this was a great source of joy in his life. More than anything, however, his life was enriched by his beloved family. He was proud of them, especially his grandkids. He always bragged about how his grandson joined the Marine Corps and that he had a long-standing track record at the high school. He would also tell everyone that Lynda was a doctor (even though she is actually a nurse practitioner). He had a story for everyone in his family, who will remember Dean as an ornery, but caring soul who lived a life of honor, respect, and faith. He was a life-long member of Bellair Church of Christ, a church co-founded by his family in 1915. We have the assurance that in Christ, Dean's 103 years was just the beginning. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to "Mission 22", offering treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, substance abuse and all of the issues veterans are facing today. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.