Early on the morning of May 5, 2021, John Norman Crumley, 90, left us to continue his journey in God’s hands. John, with Polly, his wife of 67 years, built a loving family he cherished, formed friendships that spanned the decades, and helped the many communities in which he lived. The world is a better place because John was in it.
He grew up hunting and camping in the hills of eastern Tennessee and was an avid outdoorsman and athlete. In college, he both graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as a quarterback and was recruited and played minor league baseball for the Dodgers. After marrying Polly, he taught high school math and coached football and baseball. John then began with JCPenney by selling shoes and retired as a district manager in Carmel, Indiana. During this time, John had many diverse interests and touched many lives in the communities in which he lived. He was an active member in the Methodist Church, taught chess to elementary students, recorded auto books for special needs children, received a police commendation for stopping an assault and served on the board of the Indianapolis 500 Festival. Prior to the invention of spreadsheets, John wrote software to make sales projections. He and Polly played golf and tennis with passion all while working to equip their children with the values and skills to meet the world.
After retiring, John’s activities continued unabated and expanded to include fishing trips, working on the family farm, horseback riding, spending time with his grandchildren and reading under his favorite Oak tree. John read 200 books in 2020!
John is survived by his wife Polly; children, Patricia Crumley DeRamus (Gene), Beth Crumley Lough (Jeff) and John “Chip” Crumley (Julie); his grandchildren, Megan Lough Bolgren (Jordan), Alex Lough (Jessica) and Harper Crumley; and three great-grandchildren Skyler, Grayson and Everett.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, Heart.org, or the Coal Creek Chapter of Pheasants Forever, 9097 E 400 N, Darlington, IN 47940.
A celebration of life will be held in mid-June. Please see https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/carmel-in/john-crumley-10182248 for additional information.
