Michael A. Crain

Michael Anthony Crain crossed Home Plate safely on Wednesday, June 29, 2005, after a car accident near Troy, MO. He was born November 3, 1948, near Rolla, MO, to Gladys (Beeman) and Charles Crain. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1966. After receiving a BA in Education from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR, Mike taught and coached at Winfield, MO. In the spring of 1971 he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He and Carita Lipps of Enid, OK, were married on May 22, 1971, after his release from the Pirates. At this time he returned to the classroom. Mike's teaching career totaled 34 years, ten at Winfield and the past 24 in Fort Zumwalt School District. He taught health, PE, history, and in-school suspension (ZAEP). Mike's role as a teacher reached from the classroom to the sports arena where he coached and played baseball, softball, basketball, and track as well as excelling as a sports official. At age five, Mike began playing baseball, and it remained a major love for the rest of his life. He coached many girls' and boys' teams over the years. His pholosophy was just to teach the basics, and he compared baseball strategy with the game of life, teaching many character lessons along with the skills. At the time of his death he was en route with one of his sons and two other players to coach their American Legion baseball game. Mike grew up in Ridgeview Christian Church in Rolla, and he committed his life to Jesus as a young boy. He was ordained as a deacon while a member of First Baptist Church, O'Fallon, and was most recently a member of Hawk Point Baptist Church in Hawk Point, MO. His walk with Christ impacted his life as the husband and best friend of Carita for over 34 years; as the devoted father of Sarah (David) Moeller of Cedar Hill, MO, and Rebekah, Timothy, Hannah, Stephen, and Abigail of the home in Troy; and as a loving grandfather of Elizabeth and Ruth Moeller. His siblings are Charla (Joe) Carmack of FL, Ann (Willie) Simmons of Rolla, and Jim (Tammy) Crain of Rolla. His father-in-law is Charles Lipps of Enid. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Samuel, and his mother-in-law Rose Lipps. Services were held Thursday, July 7, at First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, under the direction of BAUE Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Michael Crain Memorial Fund, Bank of Old Monroe, P.O. Box 188, Old Monroe, MO 63369. Because he had given his heart to Jesus, even though we grieve his death, we are certain and rejoice that Mike is with Jesus Christ in heaven. Coach Dad died in the sweet spot of his life, rounded all the bases, and crossed Home Plate victoriously.