William Maurice Crain

CENTENARIAN Called to Rest

Life's Chapter Closed Wednesday Night, November 18, 1964

Final Rites Saturday

William Maurice Crain [Morry Crain], Augusta centenarian, was called to peaceful and final slumber Wednesday night, Nov. 18, at the McDonough District hospital in Macomb. He had entered the hospital that afternoon. Mr. Crain bad been confined to his bed for several weeks as the result of sustaining a hip fracture in a fall while in Augusta's downtown business district. Until that time he was remarkably active considering his advanced age of 101 years. He possessed a keen intellect and enjoyed the visits of kindred and friends.

William Maurice Crain (1863-1964)

Final rites for the esteemed Mr. Morry Crain were held Saturday afternoon at 2 at the Augusta Methodist church, where he faithfully worshipped. The Rev. James Weiss, pastor, officiated in the services that were in charge of the Cookson Funeral home.

Rev. Weiss also prepared and read the life sketch and paid tribute, to the departed one, Wendell Mathis sang, "Lead Kindly Light" and "Love That Will Not Let Me Go," two favorite hymns of Mr, Crain. Mrs. Leo McCutchan presided at the organ. There were many beautiful floral; tributes.

Internment was in the Pulaski cemetery, not too far from the old Crain homestead, where the family enjoyed such a happy childhood together.

Bearing the remains to their final resting place were Harry Ford, Lawrence Graham, Wm. Drake, Kenneth Sights, Earl Ford and Robert White.

In Memoriam

William Maurice Crain was born September 5, 1863 near Huntsville, Illinois, to William Harris and Rachel Baxter Crain. He attended Huntsville and Rushville schools and the Augusta High school.

He was united in marriage to Sarah Ann Newcomb, February 21, 1894, and to this union was born one daughter, Mrs. Helen Houghton, of Arlington, Virginia.

Mr. Crain served as a Federal Government employee for 35 years and for the past 11 years has resided with his sister, Miss Mary Crain, here in Augusta.

Mr. Crain was a member of Myron Parker Masonic Lodge No. 27, and the Order of the Eastern Star of Washington D. C. As a devoted member of the Methodist church since his youth, Mr. Crain served in an official capacity many times. On many occasions Mr. Crain said that the most rewarding work be ever did was teaching a Sunday School class of boys and young men, several of whom have become ministers of the Methodist church. He considered working with the young people as the most important work of the church.

He had an outgoing spirit, was not only loyal to his old friends, but enjoyed making new ones, which he continued to do throughout his life.

He was loved and respected by everyone and his kind and unselfish actions will long be remembered by all. Mr. Crain passed away at McDonough District hospital in Macomb, on November 18, 1964, at the age of 101, years, two months and 13 days.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Ann Newcomb in October, of 1920; also two sisters and five brothers. He leaves to mourn his passing a daughter, Mrs. Helen Houghton of Arlington, Virginia, a sister, Miss Mary Crain of Augusta, a brother, Harry of Augusta, one granddaughter and one great granddaughter, as well as a host of friends.