Wayne Crippin, 73

Wayne Lawrence Crippin, 73, of Oshtemo, passed away peacefully in the arms of Judy and surrounded by family on Jan. 2, 2011 at Bronson Hospital.

He was born April 3, 1937 in Three Rivers, the son of Otis L. and Mary (Murphey) Crippin. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1955 and served in the US Army Security Agency in Germany from 1957 to 1959. On April 29, 1976 he married Judy Cochran, his soul mate, in Kalamazoo. Wayne was in electrical sales and management for 38 years covering Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. He retired from Kendall Electric, Inc. in 1993 where he was previously VP of Sales and Marketing. In May of 1998 he received the Gift of Life, a heart transplant, at Henry Ford Hospital, a gift which allowed him 12-1/2 more years to enjoy life, family and friends. Wayne was a trustee and member of the Oshtemo United Methodist Church, and he so enjoyed working on their monthly dinners.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Crippin in 1983; brother, Donald Crippin in 1998. In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by his children, Kathleen (Mark) Schuchardt of Pleasant Ridge, Laurie Feller of Portage, Darcy (James) Oswalt of Fulton, Patrick Crippin of Connecticut, Timothy (Angela) Crippin of Lisbon, Conn. He is survived by his much-loved grandchildren, Michael (Eleanor) Schuchardt; Sarah Schuchardt; Elizabeth and Shea Crippin; Ethan, Jared, and Evan Feller; Anna, Audrey and Andrew Oswalt; brother-in-law, Harry (Susie) Cochran; nieces and nephew and many special friends.

Learn more about Wayne, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo: 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where Wayne’s service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Jim Dyke of Saint Andrew Community Church, with a funeral luncheon served at the Oshtemo UM Church following the service. Burial will be in Genessee Prairie Cemetery, Oshtemo.

Please visit Wayne’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his Life Story, archive a memory or photo and sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to the Oshtemo United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or Kalamazoo Christian Pre-School Program.