William Lucian Crutcher

William Lucian Crutcher, age 83, of Arcola, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon.

William was born to Ernest “Buster” and Oletha (Brickey) Crutcher March 18, 1934, in Arcola.

After high school, he joined the Marines and served till 1962. Upon discharge, he found work in California with the telephone company and his brother, Bobby, came to work with him.

Wanting to get closer to home, he came back to Kansas City and worked for the railroad with a dream of saving up to buy a farm back in Arcola.

It was in Kansas City that he met Donna Gail Elvy. They were married in Neola, March 15, 1959. Soon after, they bought a farm previously owned by his family.

William’s expertise was dairy cattle. He was innovative and very knowledgeable in his field. He was a long time member of the Arcola Christian Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and as an Elder. He was also on the Greenfield Board of Education for many years.

William is survived by his wife, Donna; a son, Buster Crutcher and wife, Shannon, of Joplin; a daughter, Afton McGuire and husband, Kim, of Lockwood; 5 grandchildren: Sydney Cunningham and husband, Drew; Oletha Hope Crutcher; Josiah McGuire and wife, Amanda; Kelby McGuire and wife, Petra; and Micah McGuire; 4 great grandchildren: Konner, Kellen and Grayden McGuire and Zoey Cunningham; a brother, Bobby Edward Crutcher; a nephew, Brian Crutcher; and two nieces, Rhonda and Debbie.