Mr. Cramer was a member of First Christian Church, where he was honored Man of the Year
in 1998 for his active involvement. He had also been a deacon and taught Sunday School in the Baptist church. He was a member of Sedalia Noonday Optimist Club, where he had served as president and lieutenant governor. He was an active community volunteer.
He worked for A&P Grocery Stores for several years, before owning and operating Cramer’s
IGA in Trenton until 1966. Upon retirement, he repaired and refinished furniture. He enjoyed woodworking and made many picture frames. Some of Sedalia’s offices, banks, homes, churches and public buildings have Irvin’s frames hanging on their walls. He was very proud that his frames also hung in several offices in Washington, D.C. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, taking pictures, listening to religious music, singing, and playing piano, fiddle and harmonica by ear. Some of his happiest hours were spent with his family.
He was a staff sergeant in the Army Air Force during World War II. He served three years
active duty and six years in the reserves. He was a 1941 graduate of Smithton High School and attended Sedalia Business College.
Surviving are a daughter, Shirley Craig, and her husband, Ernie, of Smithton; a step daughter, Mary E. Clayton, of Wichita, Kan.; three grandchildren, David Craig, Misty Craig-House and Ernie Craig Jr.; four step grandchildren, Becky May, Jessica Elam, Camie Dow and W.R. Dow; and six great grandchildren, Seth May, Gabriel Kenemer, Josie Graves, Sarah Catherine Slaughter, Elizabeth Ann Slaughter and Blake Wesley Craig.
He was predeceased by a step son, James Lee May; and two brothers, Franklin Cramer, in
infancy, and Harlan Cramer.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2005, at Heckart/Gillespie Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Russell Willoughby officiating.
Pallbearers will be John Meehan, Steve Fritz, Jim Mathewson, Bill Gleason, Greg White and
W.R. Dow.
Burial will be in Smithton Cemetery.
Friends may call after noon Monday, September 19, 2005, at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday. Friends may also sign the guest register online at www.heckart-gillespie.com.
The family suggests memorial contributions to First Christian Church.
Irvin Elwood Cramer, 82, of Sedalia, died Friday, September 16, 2005, at Four Seasons Living Center.
He was born March 9, 1923, in Pettis County, a son of Robert Franklin “Frank” and Sarah Catherine “Sally” Carver Cramer. On November 3, 1944, in Smithton, he was married to Ruth Evelyn
Williams, who died June 2, 1966. On January 28, 1972, in Sedalia, he was married to Dorothy Kinder May, who died October 22, 2000.
