Orris W. "Vic" Crum

Orris Wilbur "Vic" Crum passed on Wednesday, March 16th, in Lenexa, KS.  He was born on September 5th, 1928, in Jacksonville, IL. to Orville L. Crum and Hilda Edith Hitchens.  Vic's twin sister was Doris Wilma Smith (d. 1996).  Vic was the last of 8 children.  Much of Vic's childhood was spent growing up in Literberry, IL.  The family relocated to Jacksonville, IL. when Vic was in high school.  Shortly after graduating from high school, Vic joined the Air Force in 1946. 

Vic met Zelda Jean Hackney (d. 2013) while stationed in Colorado Springs, CO.  Vic and Zelda married on December 19th, 1953, at the Chapel of the Angels, a chapel and mortuary, in Denver, CO.  Vic and Zelda attended First Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, and enjoyed singing in the choir together.  Shortly after their wedding, Vic was transferred to Okinawa, Japan, while Zelda remained in Colorado Springs.  Vic's next duty station was in Naples, Italy, where they were stationed for three years.  During this time their son Ross was born.  Vic and Zelda enjoyed traveling throughout Italy and the Mediterranean area.  Vic's next assignment took Vic and Zelda to Corvallis, OR, where they welcomed Renee and Randy to the family.  In 1965 Vic and Zelda relocated the family to Shawnee Mission, KS., while Vic was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador.  Their 3rd son Ryan was welcomed in 1965.  Upon completion of his duty in Labrador, Vic transferred to Belton, MO., to be closer to the family.  Vic retired from the Air Force in 1967, having served for over 20 years, as a Senior Chief Master Sergeant. 

After leaving the Air Force, Vic spent 30+ years as an insurance broker with Mutual of New York.  He was very successful in the insurance industry earning 25+ consecutive Honor Club awards and was named MONY's Man of the Year for the Kansas City area numerous times.

Following retirement Vic and Zelda enjoyed traveling throughout the states, and made many trips to Colorado and Texas to visit close friends and family.  Vic was a 32nd Degree Freemason, and a member of Old Mission Masonic Lodge, in Prairie Village, KS.  Vic was a long-time Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.  He watched their games relentlessly the last few years.  Vic also enjoyed his monthly friend's poker games for over 25 years.

Vic is preceded in death by his parents, all of his brothers and sisters, Zelda Jean Hackney, his wife for almost 60 years, and Ryan, his 3rd son.  He leaves behind: Ross Crum (and wife Liz) of Roanoke, TX; Renee Reberry (and husband Pete) of Shawnee, KS.; Randy Crum of Overland Park, KS; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.  Vic will be interred at National Cemetery at Fort Leavenworth, KS.