Erick John Crago

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we honor the life of Erick John Crago, who passed away leaving behind a legacy of adventure, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear. Born on February 13, 1972, in Maricopa County, Arizona, Erick's journey was one marked by curiosity, resilience, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Sue Crago, his cherished son, Nathaniel (Nate) Erick Crago, who was the pride and joy of his life, his loving brother, Patrick Crago, and his beloved sisters, Rhode Bicknell and Elda May. Erick's warmth and magnanimity touched the lives of numerous nieces, nephews, and a vast constellation of cousins, each forever touched by his generous spirit and kind heart.

Erick’s academic path was as unique as his spirit. A gifted student, he attended the Colorado Springs School, graduating early in 1989 with a sharp intellect and an eagerness to embrace the world beyond the classroom. To Erick, education was not just a milestone but the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of discovery.

A true outdoorsman at heart, Erick found solace and joy in nature. Whether hiking rugged trails, camping under starlit skies, or simply exploring new landscapes, he reveled in the beauty of the world around him. His love for adventure was matched only by his passion for storytelling—both through the books he read and the films he adored. From the intricate worlds of science fiction and fantasy to thought-provoking narratives, Erick’s imagination knew no bounds. Some of his favorite films included Platoon, Bubba Ho-Tep, and the Star Wars saga, while Babylon 5, Stargate Atlantis, and Curiosity held a special place in his heart.

A “foodie” through and through, Erick approached food with an enthusiasm that was joyful and contagious. He savored the art of culinary exploration, delighting in the discovery of new flavors and the creation of gastronomic masterpieces for his loved ones. Each dish he crafted and every moment he shared with his loved ones was a love letter to the bonds he held dear. Every meal he prepared was an expression of love, a testament to his generous spirit and the joy he found in creating and sharing his bounty.

Professionally, Erick’s career was as dynamic as his interests. He began in customer service and sales, forging connections with people from all walks of life. His relentless curiosity led him to pursue knowledge through formal education, self-learning, and real-world experiences. Eventually, he found his true calling in law enforcement, a path that allowed him to serve his community with integrity and compassion.

After graduating from the police academy at Santa Rosa Junior College in 2004, Erick continued his academic journey, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Science from Missouri Western State University in 2016. Throughout his career, he left an indelible mark on those he worked alongside and the communities he served, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the gratitude of those whose lives he touched

Above all, Erick will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, boundless intellect, his steadfast devotion to his family and friends, and his commitment to service. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the meals he prepared with so much joy, and the love he so freely gave. Though he has departed from this world, his presence will forever be felt in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Erick's memory may be made to Nathaniel Crago's 529 Education Account, enter code W4P-S2P at www.ugift529.com.