Jack Crystal

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 12, 2010, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with visitation two hours prior to service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Argenta Baptist Church AWANA program.Jack was born October 16, 1932, in Decatur, IL, the son of Miles Chelsea and Mildred (Kratz) Crystal. After graduating from Decatur High School he joined the Air Force. The next years were spent as a Layout Developer for Caterpillar Tractor.On April 20, 1956, Jack chose Sheila Joyce Davis to be his wife. They were married in Temple Baptist Church with their Pastor J.M. Carlson officiating. To this union was born Anthony Miles Crystal and Lori Ann Slade. Jack was thankful to be father to Anthony and wife Hilda of Warrensburg and Lori and husband Tim of Oreana, IL.Being grandpa to Kindle Beth Brandon and special friend Kyle of Indianapolis, IN; Miles Franklin and wife Megan; Noel Andrew and special friend Samantha; and Sean Michael Crystal of Decatur brought him great joy. Jack didnt think life could get any better and then great granddaughter Jamie Rene Crystal arrived.Through the years Jack spent hours studying his Bible and working in his garage honing his skill for woodworking, a skill he would pass on to his children and grandchildren.Jack is survived by his wife Sheila and his twin sister Jean Jennings and husband Rob of Chattanooga, TN. He loved to tease his sister about being younger than her by a few minutes.Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews and cousins. He loved having special nieces Judy and husband Richard Ryzner of West Dundee, IL and Toni and husband Mike Longstreet of Decatur coming to his home to share a meal and then playing cards with he and Sheila. Of course, he always threatened to beat their socks off and on occasion he did just that.His parents and sister Eileen Potter preceded him in death.If you asked Jack what brought him great joy besides his family, hed tell you his work at Argenta Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and as an AWANA leader. Through the years Jack served on the Oreana Village Board and was a Trustee of Whitmore Township. Family and friends will remember Jack as an honorable, godly man with beautiful white hair.Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
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