August 2, 2022 at 9:50 p.m.
Carlos C. and Louise Keller Crain
Always ahead of her time and interested in improving the human condition, she worked as a sales associate for a new technology of massage unit and chairs in the mid 70’s. She was also a nation-wide advocate for the “No To Drugs’ campaign with emphasis on educating parents when she witnessed firsthand the effects of drugs during her nursing career. In Carmel, she created the “Welcome Wagon” to greet new neighbors and connect them into the community while raising 4 busy children.
Western Electric/AT&T transferred Carlos & Louise to Kansas City where she worked for a medical office bringing joy to all. Retired, they enjoyed an active life of adventure with four children’s families, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren (Oliver, Cooper, Diana and Katherine); …always opening their door to all, fully invested in family with a bias for giving of herself.
Louise was preceded in death by parents Keith and Edith Keller, brothers Omer, Glen, and Paul, and son, Scott Philip Crain. “Mom” was quick to lend a helping hand and a smile to light up a room whether volunteering at church, through her work, cheering on the KC Chiefs, or educating grandkids… touching many hearts. Our sorrowful passion runs deep but are grateful for her many blessings. She lives on in us all. Louise passed quickly, peacefully and without fear surrounded by loved ones while holding Carlos’ hand and heart until the very last breath. We will miss our beautiful mom immensely. Thank you for loving us so deeply; your life well-loved is well lived.
Four weeks later on February 11, 2020, Carlos C Crain (87), husband, father of 5, grandfather (12) and great grandfather (4), passed away of a broken heart to be with our heavenly Lord, wife of 63 years (m. 1957), and son, Scott Phillip. Born of humble beginnings in Hope, IN, Carlos entered the tool & die apprentice program. In 1951, he enlisted in the Navy (E6 aviation electronics technician & combat air crewman Hawaii), serving the Korean conflict. Graduating BS Electrical Engineering 1959 from Purdue University, he married Mary “Louise” Keller. Playing as children in Hope, they grew into lifelong soul mates (80yrs), dying within weeks (2020); an understatement of enduring love. In 1959, Carlos joined Western Electric (Indianapolis) rising through executive levels while completing his Business degree at Butler University and classes at Princeton. In New York City, he managed large AT&T organizations while working with famed Bell Labs pioneering silicon chips and new manufacturing processes. The Crain family relocated to Carmel, Indiana then transferred (1985 AT&T) to Leawood Kansas. Retired, he lectured on effective communications, became a Church Steven Minister, election office volunteer, lifelong learner and proud grandparent extraordinaire, “Pops!”
Carlos was a 60+year member of Masons, York Rite, Shriners, Toastmasters International, and Vintage Mustang club spending 20yrs restoring his famed 1965 Mustang Convertible; “OhMy65”.
Carlos’ engaging story-telling of mischievous small-town life, patient ear, positive attitude, contagious laugh, thirst for learning, and enlightening wisdom will be deeply missed by all graced by his attentive spirit. He taught us how to live, laugh, love and pray. His legacy lives on in us. Dad passed surrounded by loved ones. Carlos is preceded in death by parents Nelson & Addie, brothers Elbert & James, sister, Pearl Rednour, Wife, Louise (1/11/20), and son, Scott Crain (1964). We are grateful for showing us the way and loving us; your life well-loved is well lived.
Carlos and Louise enjoyed an active life of adventure with children’s families and friends leaving a legacy of touching and impacting many lives along the way that will influence generations to come.
Final Internment & Celebration of Carlos & Louis at Hope Moravian Church, Hope IN. August 20, 2022 3:30pm. Condolences at www.NormanFuneralHome.net Donations: Shriners Hospital and Hope Moravian Church.
