Marion, known most frequently as “Dad” or “Pepaw,” was also called “MJ” by family and friends, “Nook” by many relatives, and “Motorboat” by football teammates.  He was born on February 26, 1929 in Haynesville, LA to Clinton and Lucy (Phillips) Crump.  He graduated from Haynesville High School in 1946 and then attended Abilene Christian, where he earned a degree in Education in 1950.  Playing football was a major part of his high school and college experience, and he excelled as a speedy halfback and defensive player.

While at Abilene Christian, Marion met Mary Alice Winslow after she caught his eye while walking by wearing a long green coat. He used to joke with Mary that he might not have noticed her if it had not been for that long green coat.  Mary and Marion were married on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1950.

Marion continued to learn while supporting his family, and earned his Master of Education in 1955 from Abilene Christian.  He studied for his PhD at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he completed all the required classes, but never achieved full acceptance of his PhD dissertation due to a matter that clashed with his convictions.  He was always a man of his word.

After living in Haynesville from birth through high school, it seems that during his married life, Marion enjoyed moving from place to place. His many residences included Columbia MO, Fouke, AR, and well over a dozen different Texas cities and towns, spanning between Lubbock, Texarkana, and Harlingen.  Early in his marriage and as his family began to grow, Marion taught high school math, science, and driver’s education.  He also coached football, while somehow managing the time to preach at Churches of Christ wherever he went. After his time teaching and coaching, he worked as a counselor and adult education coordinator for the Texas Education Agency.  In that position, he relocated often to help start new branch offices.  He retired in 1987 from the TEA Region 6 Service Center in Huntsville, TX.

Retirement didn’t slow Marion down.  He was always a savvy trader, and he would buy items to repair and sell, including everything from watches and clocks to furniture and machinery.  He loved to garden and share his produce.  After retirement, he became an avid stock investor, managing two computers and three screens simultaneously.

Anyone who knew Marion well can tell you a story about his patience.  That made him a model teacher, coach, driving instructor, counselor, husband, and parent.  In 1978, after his wife Mary was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, he patiently and faithfully served as her primary caretaker until her death in 1997.

About 10 years after Mary’s death, Marion met Peggy Dooley in Belton, TX over a game of 42.  Both had lost spouses, and there was a bond and understanding between them that began a great friendship.  They traveled and cruised and, thank God, they had great times together.   Sadly, their travels came to an end due to Marion’s declining health. God bless you, Peggy Dooley!

In his passing, Marion reunites with his wife of 47 years, Mary Alice Winslow Crump; daughter, Sharilyn Ann Oliver; and his parents; sisters: Doris Scaltritti and Elsie Giddens; brothers: Clarence Crump, Joseph Crump and Frederick Crump.

Marion leaves behind his daughter, Pamela Jean Blanks, husband Mickey; sons: Druce Kirk Crump, wife Sandra and Neil Quinn Crump, wife Sally; son-in-law, William T. Oliver; grandchildren: Mollie Beam, husband Justin, Melanie Henderson, husband Brad, Brady Blanks, wife Lauren, and Sarah Oliver; great grandchildren: Brenden Beam, Ashlyn Beam, Kayden Beam, Maegan Beam, Aspen Beam, Grady Henderson, Colby Henderson, Annie Henderson, Audrey Blanks, Davis Blanks and Cooper Blanks; sister, Peggy Batchelor, husband Joe.

Marion passed away peacefully at Colonial Oaks of Pearland, TX on Sunday, July 12 under the care of A-Med Hospice.  A family memorial will be held at a later date to honor Marion’s final wishes.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.