By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Ernie Howard Crum
Sept. 14, 1920 Dec. 15, 2009
Placeholder Image
Ernie Howard Crum, 89, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord while he slept on Dec. 15. He was a beloved and devoted husband and father and was a “father figure” to many.
Ernie and his brothers owned the “Minnow Farm,” located between Empire and Waterford on Highway 120 for many years. People recognized it from the big fish on a pole. He was the original founder of the Waterford Sportsmen Club. He lived in Empire and Waterford most of his adult life before retiring to Turlock. He resided at Bethel Assisted Living in Modesto, before his year and a half journey at the Livermore Veterans Hospital.
Ernie’s greatest joy in life was laughter, from teasing the grandkids to pulling practical jokes. His smile and laughter warmed your heart. He was a jack-of-all-trades that included constructing several homes and building rock fireplaces and monuments throughout the valley and foothills.
Ernie was extremely proud of his family and was there for encouragement and support. His family recently gathered for his 89th birthday in Livermore, where his nephew, granddaughter and others provided guitar music and singing that rocked the walls of the hospital and inspired Ernie to laugh and clap his hands for several hours.
He would want to thank those wonderful caretakers who helped him these last several years. He would like family, friends, and caretakers to know they have blessed his life here on earth and looks forward to watching over them from heaven.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Billie Crum; children, Robert (Barbara) Crum, Judy (Jim) Mello and Lori (Anatoly) Kalika; grandchildren, Jinger Mendonca, Spencer Crum, Ryan Crum, Joe Crum, Jason Crum, Keeli Beland, Julia Kalika and Nicholas Kalika; 10 great grandchildren; and one expected any time.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Jimmie Crum. He considered Jimmie’s widow, Margo, and her husband, Bob Cushing, part of his immediate family.
Services have been held with burial at Lakewood Memorial Park. Lakewood Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.