Dick Cripe, 87

Richard “Dick” Cripe, age 87 of Centreville, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, July 22, 2019. Dick was born in Youngstown, OH on April 12, 1932, the son of Glen “Dutch” and Bess (Beaty) Cripe.

He graduated from Morgan Park High School in Chicago in 1950 and received his Masters in Counseling and Industrial Arts from Western Michigan University. Dick served in the U.S. Army. On November 26, 1960, he married Doris Jane Phillips in Dowagiac; she preceded him in death on July 9, 2002.

Dick was employed by Centreville Schools as a Industrial Arts teacher from 1958 to 1968. He was instrumental in the establishment of Glen Oaks Community College in 1968 and was an original faculty member, serving as Counselor and professor of psychology and education until his retirement in 1992. Dick received the honor of Professor Emeritus of GOCC.

Dick was an active member of Centreville United Methodist Church both locally and at the district level. He served on many committees, was a Lay Speaker, Stephen Minister, youth leader and camp counselor. He spent many hours restoring the Nottawa Stone School serving as curator for 40 years. Dick will always be remembered and dearly missed as our local historian, who was always willing to share is knowledge and wisdom with his community.

Dick is survived by his daughter Cathleen Carpenter of Centreville and son William (Michele) Cripe of Centreville; grandchildren Christopher, Adam, and Caitlin Carpenter, and Phillip and Alexander Cripe; and his special friends Steve and Sharon Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Doris.

Relatives and friends will be received from 2 to 7 pm Thursday at Eley Funeral Home, Centreville. Religious services will be held at 11 am Friday at Centreville United Methodist Church with Pastor Michael Vollmer officiating. Interment will be in the Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury.

Memorial contributions can be given in Dick’s honor to the Centreville United Methodist Church. Online messages can be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.