Scott Siddens Crye, 70, of Farmersville, died peacefully on May 25, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.
A Holy Mass was celebrated on Friday, May 31, at Sacred Heart Church in Virden, followed by burial at Virden Cemetery with full military honors conducted by Virden American Legion Post #386.
Mr. Crye was born on Nov. 21, 1953 to John and Mildred (Siddens) Crye in Rockford. While stationed at Fort Kobbe in the Panama Canal Zone, he met Eduvigis del Carmen Herrerea (Vicky) whom he married in Panama City, Panama in 1979 and she remained his constant companion for 45 years. She survives.
He graduated from Auburn High School in 1972 before enlisting in the Army as an infantry paratrooper. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he became a jungle warfare expert and proudly completed nearly 50 jumps during his military service throughout Central America after earning his Airborne Wings.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Mr. Crye attended the University of Illinois Springfield, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology and sociology. A lifelong outdoorsman, he enjoyed trap shooting, pheasant hunting, fishing and camping. He was a loving grandfather known for his vivid storytelling and leading hikes in the woods, where he could name every plant and animal.
He was a devoted Catholic and a long-time member of Sacred Heart Parish in Virden and St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Springfield, where he assisted with Holy Mass. He worked for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois at Villa Maria Catholic Life Center.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Crye is survived by his son, Jason (Beth) of Mequon, WI; daughter, Elisa of New York, NY; mother, Mildred of Divernon; sister, Lisa of Arlington, VA; and nine grandchildren, John, William, Mathilda, Beatrice, Helena, Josefa, Vera, Thomas and Andrew Crye of Mequon, WI.
He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Crye.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Griffin Church in Virden or St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Springfield.
Condolences may be left at https://calvertmemorial.com.
