Kerry Allan Crain

Kerry Allan Crain was born February 27, 1960 to Robert Eugene and JoAnn Esther Crain in Chicago Heights, IL. He was the third of their four children. With deep sorrow we must announce that Kerry passed peacefully overnight from this world to the next, dutifully surrounded by friends and loved ones. He is survived by his wife Lynn Mary, two sons Tyler John (Mars) and Trevor Aaron (Tillie), as well as his brothers and their families, Kevin Joseph (Pam) and Kenneth Charles (Renee), including of course his beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by both Robert and JoAnn and sister Karen Sue Stone (Bill).

Kerry’s life on earth was storied, rich with intertwining threads of his simultaneous youth and maturity. His proudest achievements are without doubt those won as a fiercely devoted husband and father. His presence was always engaged, with feet planted firmly on the ground and sleeves rolled up, ever-prepared for the next obstacle. His best-loved tools were undoubtedly his zany sense of humor, and the ability to produce a relevant anecdote under any possible circumstances. He was always seeking some meaning between the lines, always ready to prove that effort and attitude are keystones in the quest for knowledge. This approach kept him equally comfortable acting as a gracious host to a great cohort of friends and neighbors, and assumed community leadership roles coaching for his sons’ youth sports teams.

Sports had been a lifelong passion for Kerry, who fondly recalled everything (including brutal two-a-day practices) for several seasons on Bloom High School’s football team. He would go on to ardently support the University of Illinois’ Fighting Illini for years to come. Perhaps unexpectedly, or at least speaking to the multitudes the man contained, Sunday afternoons were shaded in Packers green and gold, adding some friendly friction to the majority Bears fans who surrounded him. More in step with those faithful to Chicago’s Southland, he shared alternating episodes of joy and heartbreak faithfully watching the White Sox, even following them to some of the country’s most notorious ballparks like Fenway and Camden Yards.

While professional sports seasons bookend the bulk of the calendar year, hissimple passions give those who knew him the clearest insight into his inner personage. Bicycle and kayak rides through miles of Palos’ wooded trails and hidden waterways were for him a strong tether between the natural world and his active lifestyle. Motorcycle rides with Trevor and pickleball with any willing challenger illustrate an inclination to the more intense aspects of his wide-ranging abilities. Both will continue to prove invaluable access to the man and his perspective by those who survive him, touched now by the light of his memory.

Kerry’s memory will live on now carried by the hearts of the many he touched in his sixty-six years. His family feels he will be nearest to us all in the small hours of the morning’s quiet contemplation, anywhere one can find a cold beer, a good chair and a better band all in the same place, and especially in the rhythmic lave of the kayak paddle through the water, as Kerry helps us now, pushing our vessels gently along.

His family asks that in lieu of gifts, donations can be made to Lightways Hospice at 250 Stone Water Circle, Joliet IL, 60431. CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ONLINE DONATION. Their team of caretakers and healthcare professionals were a source of immense support and guidance for the whole family at the end of Kerry’s life. 

Funeral Services will be private.