HOWARD RAYMOND CRAIN
HOWARD RAYMOND CRAIN
JULY 22, 1934 - MARCH 13, 2023
Howard Raymond Crain was born on July 22, 1934 in Yuba, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 13, 2023. Raymond attended school in O’Donnell, but left early to join the workforce. He married Robbie Jane Johnson in December of 1955, and became a life-long farmer. Several years, and two children later, Robbie and Raymond went their separate ways. He moved to Yoakum County in 1970, and started Crain Hay Farm. That same year he married Earlene Crutcher, and they adopted another child. After both were widowed and divorced, fate brought Robbie and Raymond back together in 2011. They have been inseparable companions ever since. Raymond had a passion for growing things, and continued to have a top notch garden with some of the best tomatoes and onions on the State Line. Even after “retiring”, he still worked out in the field, driving a swather in his signature denim overalls and work shirt. Raymond loved playing the slot machines whenever he could, and would never pass up a game of dominoes at the kitchen table. He also enjoyed penny ante poker games during family holidays. Some of his other favorite pastimes included buying random mail order products, and watching The Price is Right and old cowboy movies. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Lavelle Crain; brothers Robert, Gerald, Billy Joe and Danny Crain, sisters Shirley Shaw and Lula Ann Workman, and his second wife, Earlene Crain. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Robbie Jane Dillard; sisters Wanda “Bobbie” Sines and Dennis, and Betty Sue Marett of Brownfield, Texas; son, Roger Crain and Sherry of Gatesville, Texas; daughter, Rachel Prichard and Paul of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughter, Tisha Norman and Terry of Lorenzo, Texas, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, honorary “caretaker” Choya Young and Vera, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am on Friday, March 17, at Ratliff Funeral Home in Denver City, Texas. Graveside services and burial will be at the Plains, Texas Cemetery at 2:00 pm. A celebration of life gathering will be held at First Baptist Church immediately following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity.
