Kenneth Robert Cramer

Kenneth Robert Cramer, 97, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024. Kenneth was born March 12, 1927, and graduated from Parker Night High School while working as a draftsman during the day in 1944. He served in the United States Navy in WWII from February of 1945 to August of 1946. He crewed on the destroyer tender USS Yellowstone. After the war, Kenneth graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1950 under the GI Bill. He went on to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Ohio State University in 1953 and continued an extensive study of mathematics while working at the Aerospace Research Lab at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Kenneth was an early member of the Aerospace Research Lab WPAFB from August 1951 through 1972 as a research engineer/scientist. He was the Deputy Director of the Thermomechanics Research Lab in Arlington. Kenneth was listed in Who’s Who in Ohio in addition to the Who’s Who in the Midwest, and the American Men in Science. He was an External Examiner for Ph.D. and Sc.D degrees for the Mathematics Departments of two universities in India. He was an Applied Mechanics Reviewer. Kenneth authored 165 scientific/technical papers and one graduate level textbook on Magnetohydrodynamics, which is still being used in over 200 colleges and universities, including MIT. He was awarded several patents and a copyright. In retirement, Kenneth was a Gold Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League. He was a Life member of the VFW. Kenneth loved his red sports cars.

Preceded in death by beloved wife Joyce E. (Johnson) Cramer; son David Cramer; parents Del Mont Cramer and Bernice (Oglesbee) Young; sisters Beatrice Seaton and Betty Jean Cramer. Survived by sister Dolores (Cramer) Layton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Even in the end, he found a way to smile and laugh while sharing life stories with his family. Kenneth will be remembered by his intelligence, kindness, and by his smile and hugs. He never met a stranger and loved people.

Services will be held at noon on Monday, March 25, at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio. Visitation will be from 10 am to 12 pm Monday. Graveside service with Military Honors will immediately follow at David's Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Road, Dayton, Ohio, 45429.

Donations may be made in Kenneth's memory to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio, 45420. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.