Obituary of Col. Ervin J. Crampton

Crampton, Ervin J., Lt. Col. USMC, Retired – Jay, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his parents Ervin and Margaret Crampton and sister Dorothy Cochrane. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Penny; sons Jeff Crampton, Gray Crampton & wife Delinda; grandsons Chase and Dylan Crampton all of Las Vegas, NV; brother Jack Crampton & wife Gera of McKinney, TX; nephew Bruce Cochrane; and nieces Carol Crampton, Janet Engh, Diane Kaiser and Nancy Cochrane and the whole Bouras Clan. Jay came to New Mexico from Michigan with his family at age 10 in 1943. A fan of football, he played for both the Highland Hornets and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Upon graduation from UNM, Jay joined the military, becoming a lifelong member of the United States Marine Corps, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Jay was a very talented person, kind, considerate, with a great sense of humor and zest for life. Always willing to do good deeds, always on a mission. During his life he was a member of many service clubs including The Coronado Kiwanis Club and the Four Hills Lions Club. He advocated for MADD and for Linda Atkinson's DWINFO Resource Center. A Celebration of Jay's life will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Homewood Suites—Albuquerque Uptown, 7107 Arvada Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. If you knew and loved Jay, please come and share your stories of this remarkable, gentle man. The family gives thanks to the staff at UNM Hospital and St. Theresa's Healthcare for all of their wonderful care. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE (505)764-9663.