Howard J. Crass

Howard J. Crass, 74, of Summerfield, Florida, formerly of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, December 2, 1937, in Belleville, IL, died Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Howard was a retired sheet metal worker for Local 268 in Caseyville, IL. He was a former financial secretary and treasurer of Sheet Metal Local 268 in Caseyville, IL, member of Elks Lodge in Belleville, IL and former member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL and former member of board of St. Paul United Church of Christ. Howard was also a United States Korean War Army veteran.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: Joseph and Emma nee Rehnnhoff Crass.


Surviving are his:

  • Wife: Ellen "Ellie" nee Lippert Crass of Summerfield, FL
  • Children
    • Derrick (Anne Lehman) Crass of Saint Louis, MO
    • Jeffrey Crass of Cincinnati, OH
    • Shelley (Bob) Funck of Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Step-Daughter: Carrie (Bradly) Quirin of Red Bud, IL
  • 7 Grandchildren
    • Rachel Crass
    • Sydni Crass
    • Bailey Crass
    • Amy (T.J.) Smith
    • Ben Clark
    • Ella Quirin
    • Ryan Quirin
  • Great Granddaughter: Nina Crass


Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation at the funeral home or online at www.curemeso.org

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, August 3, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Condolences left for Howard J. Crass:

    We are Honored and Blessed to have had Howard's friendship. He was a great man and leader of men. We watched Howard spend his final days fighting for the good of his fellow man in his battle for Mesothelioma Victims rights.

    John & Debbie Fry Myrtle Beach South Carolina 29577

    Memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with you always. Randy and I have many fond memories of Howie thru the many years of just building memories. We are very saddened by Howard's death but memories can never be erased !

    Joyc and Randy Blankenship Belleville Il 62223

    Howard's passing has left a big hole in our hearts and in our neighborhood. We treasured his friendship and will miss him always. Rest in peace, friend.

    Bill and Kat Hornbuckle Myrtle Beach South Carolina 29577