Mark Crump

Mark Stanley Crump

Nashville, TN

Passed away peacefully in the company of family on April 17, 2015 in Santa Rosa, CA. 

Stan never let the fact that he had Down Syndrome affect his drive, his persistence, his abilities and his achievements. His was a spirit which was unquenchable coupled with a smile that could light up a room of any size. He had a hug for everyone he encountered. Stan was kind, stubborn, warm, always considerate and loyal. He frequently gave genuine and warm compliments. Many a day was brightened by him in this way. He loved being on "The Go", socializing with people, Starbucks, dancing and bowling. 

Stan's life was rooted in love and church. Stan's faith was his guiding light. He lived and patterned his life after the teachings of Jesus - he walked the walk every day of his life believing he was a child of God. The love and warmth which he showered on all who met him will always be remembered and cherished. 

Stan's life was full and productive. He received two very special honors along the way: in December 1986, The ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens) of the State of Tennessee elected Stan as the ARC Citizen of the Year for 1987, and in December 1988, Stan was made an honorary Colonel in the Tennessee Militia (National Guard) in recognition of his love for the American Flag. 

While Church was top priority, Stan considered work the most important event of each weekday. During his adult life, he worked over 40 years for various sheltered workshops in Tennessee (Rochelle Center), North Carolina (LifeSpan & RHA) and California (Alchemia and Becoming Independent). 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Edward Perry and Dolores Crump, and older brother, Dr. Edward (Eddo) Crump, Jr.

Survived by sister, Marjorie Crump-Shears (Dr. Brian Shears) (CA); brother, Kenneth (Edith) Crump (OH), and sister-in-law Jean Anne Crump (TN); nieces: Megan (Julian) Griffin (TN), Bronwen (Dave) Shears MacNab and Gwenyth Shears (CA); nephews: Edward (Alisha) Crump III, Kenneth (Yolanda) Crump III (TN). Additionally, he is survived by several great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral/Celebration of Life will be held on May 16, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, 1014 14th Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37208. Visitation precedes the funeral at 10 a.m. at Clark Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Stan's name be made to either of the following organizations:

Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee, P.O. Box 1182, Mt. Juliet, TN 37121; or The ARC Davidson County and Greater Nashville, 111 North Wilson Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205.

Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors, 2500 Clarksville Pk., 615-255-2371. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tennessean/obituary.aspx?n=mark-stanley-crump&pid=174768875&fhid=14238&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.DopIhuWP.dpuf