Billy Ray Crum

Billy R. Crum, 69, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Born in Martin, Kentucky on September 19, 1957, Billy was the second oldest child born to Bill Gene and Mary Magdaline (Shepherd) Crum.

His family would officially make Indiana their home in 1983, settling in Silver Lake. Billy worked as a machine operator supervisor, retiring after 20 years of dedication to R.R. Donnelley & Sons. He taught his children from a young age that if you want anything in life, you have to work for it. Nothing is handed to you for free.

In his younger years, Billy was a great baseball player, was a gifted pool player, enjoyed hunting and fishing and weekend-long poker games. He was a workaholic, so being still wasn’t something he did for long. At home, he was always working on vehicles or motors and raised fighting chickens. The family enjoyed yearly summer trips to Kentucky to see their relatives.

“Billy knows it all” as his children often referred to him at times was surely stubborn, but he had such a good heart. Through his divorces, he always did all he could for his kids in his dual roles. He was the rock of their lives. They knew that he was always there for advice and help, and always answered their calls.

Billy is dearly missed by his children: Eric (fiancée Tonya Wallace) of Warsaw, Tracy Crum of Silver Lake, Michael Crum of Silver Lake, Braxton Barnard-Crum and Peyton Barnard-Crum, both of Andrews, IN; grandchildren: Bryce, Breanna, Brooklyn and Tristian Crum; siblings: Vicky (Sam) Caudill and Jeff (Kathy) Crum both of Kentucky; cousin/best friend/brother, Tommy “Tee” Sexton of Silver Lake; ex-wives, Alicia Crum of Kentucky and Karen Vandeputte of Andrews, IN as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: MaryJane Crum, Bobby Joe Crum and Rita Yates.

Per his wishes, private family services will be held.

Memorial contributions can be made to Kosciusko County Cancer Fund, C/O K-21 Health Foundation, 1101 Park Avenue, Winona Lake, IN 46590.