Stephen Vandyke Crume

Stephen V. Crume, 83, of Newark, Ohio, passed away on August 9, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on April 23, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio, Stephen grew up in humble circumstances. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1959, and his intellectual curiosity led him to academics. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Dayton in 1963 and a Master of Science from Miami University of Ohio in 1966.

Stephen began his scientific career working on projects for Ford Motor Research in Dearborn, Michigan while commuting back to Dayton. During this time, he met Gayle, then a student at the University of Dayton. After three years of courtship, they married on July 8, 1967, and moved to Detroit, where they welcomed their son, Steve.

In 1968, Stephen relocated his young family from Detroit to Akron, Ohio, to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Akron. In 1973, he accepted a position as Advanced Scientist at Owens Corning’s Technical Center in Granville, Ohio. He published scientific papers in 1975 and 1985, demonstrating dedication to his field.

Stephen’s love for learning went beyond his professional life. He taught himself woodworking, wiring, and plumbing to make improvements to the family home. His passion for music, particularly opera and jazz, led him to attend performances and build an audiophile sound system to fully appreciate his recordings.

In 1979, Stephen helped co-found the Welsh Hills School, contributing to the community and fostering a love of learning in future generations. After Owens Corning restructured in 1986, he faced an unexpected career change. Stephen returned to school, enrolling in pharmacy at The Ohio State University. Despite undergoing serious back surgery, he graduated cum laude in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

Stephen’s career took him to Alabama, where he worked for retail pharmacies before joining Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, in 2003. Stephen and Gayle fulfilled their dream of living by the beach, splitting their time between Pensacola and Granville. He gave back to his community by volunteering as pharmacist at the Good Samaritan Clinic in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

The arrival of their granddaughter, Josephine, in April 2018 brought Stephen immense joy. Known as “Poppy,” he treasured his time with her, creating many cherished memories.

In January 2020, Stephen was diagnosed with cancer. He and Gayle moved to Reddington Village, near Granville, where he bravely faced his illness with determination.

Stephen is remembered for his resilience, curiosity, love of music, and devotion to family. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Charles, Douglas, and Benjamin; sister Rosalyn; and niece Sky. He is survived by his loving wife, Gayle; son, Steve (Katye); granddaughter, Josephine; brother, Barry (Shanette); niece Rosemary; and nephews Darren, Dale, and Rowan.

A Celebration of Life for Stephen will be held August 31 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church (110 W Broadway, Granville, Ohio). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Interfaith Ministries of Gulf Breeze, Florida, in Stephen’s memory.

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Stephen and his family.  Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.