FREDERICKTOWN – David A. Crunkilton, 87, of Fredericktown, passed away on Jan. 4, 2021, at Knox County Community Hospital. He was born to Helen Keller and Sterl Gower Crunkilton of Butler.
Dave was a longtime resident of Fredericktown and led a life full of dedication to his country and county. Along with his parents and siblings, he worked on the family dairy and crop farm in North Liberty and graduated from Butler High School, where he played football and was a member of the local FFA Chapter. After graduation, Dave was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He spent his career of 41 years as a fuel distributor of Sohio and BP petroleum products in the Fredericktown and Knox County areas. He was a member of the North Liberty United Methodist Church.
Dave’s dedication to his country continued after leaving the Army by his long-standing membership as adjutant in the Fredericktown American Legion Post 500. Each year he and his son, Craig, placed American flags on graves of military veterans.
Dave was known locally for his famous dahlias, which won many blue ribbons at the Knox County Fair and the Fredericktown Tomato Show. Another favorite pastime was showing off his antique Minneapolis Moline tractor that he loved to enter into the tractor-pulling contests at the Knox County Fair, and also participated in local parades.
He is survived by his daughter, Christy (Bruce) Farley of East Fallowfield, Pennsylvania; sisters, Norma Miller of Butler and Donna Horn (John) of Howard; brother, Dick (Sherry) of Blacksburg, Virginia; stepsons, Scott (Julie), Randy (Dana), and Chris and Todd Shoemaker; granddaughters, Cora (Andrew) Jones, and Jenna and Kelsey Farley; great-grandchildren, David, Nicholas, Elliot, Nathan, Lindsey and Cole of East Fallowfield, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Janet Ewers of Fredericktown; his second wife, Faye Shoemaker of Fredericktown; an infant daughter, Caroline Lee; a son, Craig of Mount Vernon; a brother, Jim (Gerry) and brother-in-law, Richard Miller, all of Butler.
The family members wish to express their deep appreciation to Penny and Larry Bechtel, Dave’s niece and nephew, for their caregiving over the last few years which added greatly to his quality of life; and the staff and health care professionals at Country Court in Mount Vernon.
A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at Forest Cemetery in Fredericktown, with Pastor Ken Kinley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Knox County, 17700 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050; or Fredericktown EMS, 135 Columbus Road, Fredericktown, OH 43019.
On-line condolences can be sent to www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Snyder Funeral Home in Fredericktown.
