Earvin Olanders Crayton

Mr. Earvin Olanders Crayton transitioned from this earthly life Thursday, February 25th at 11:23 p.m. He leaves behind his son, Carlos (Melinda) of Oklahoma; his former wife, Keiko of Oregon; his elder brother, Marvin (Vera) of Indiana; a younger sister, Gloria (Ernest) Prentice of California; a half-brother Darryl, and half-sister, LaRissa; and four lovely granddaughters: Tarany, Tyra, Caryn, and Alonia Williams. Also left to mourn are three nieces and five nephews along with great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Alexander and Zetella, both of Arkansas. He was also preceded in death by two older sisters and a younger half-brother: Erma Jean, Velma (Horace) Strothers of California, and Julius Crayton. He leaves behind dear friends who cared for him during his illness. Their kindness is cherished by the family.

Mr. Crayton, an electrician by trade, served his nation during the Viet-Nam War in the United States Navy (1965-1974). He received an Honorable Discharge as an Electrician Mate Petty Officer 1st Class (EM1). Among his medals of honor, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

He was widely known as an avid reader, analytical thinker, and engaging conversationalist. Years before enlisting, his curious mind was nurtured by exploring the out-of-doors. In his youth he began hunting and assisted with the family vegetable garden. Raised on an expansive rural family plot, his imagination and free-thinking led him to design and build an endless number of electronic devices. Among those devices was a system crafted to deliver a jolt to those who unwittingly sat in the chair he’d wired. A recipient of the unexpected jolt declared that it had curative benefits for his arthritis! He later returned to have a second “treatment”! Mr. Crayton’s fascination with circuitry was expanded in his year of studies in electrical engineering at what is now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Family genealogy was a lasting hobby that manifested in meaningful ways. He was the first in the family to orchestrate the Crayton Family Reunion in the 1980’s. We, his family, even amid great sorrow, continue to reflect with joy on the gift of his life.

The family will gratefully receive all flowers, cards, and gifts of support at Cobb Funeral Home in care of Mr. Earvin Crayton. Resolutions may be sent by email to NGChristianMinistries@yahoo.com. In light of social distancing, attendance in person will be limited to thirty people. For those unable to attend the viewing or the funeral, you may attend over Zoom. The meeting ID is 513 470 0648. The passcode is 212491. To reach the family with any concerns regarding technology, please email Stephanie@TheVillageChaplain.org .

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