Mary Jane Crumpler

Mary Jane Crumpler born January 15, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2022. She was surrounded by her loving family whom she cherished and adored. Nana, as she was affectionately known by her five grandchildren lived a long and interesting life over her 91 years on God's earth.

Born and raised in Iowa, Jane was the youngest daughter of the late Lawrence Oscar Wilcox and Cecilia Lehner Wilcox of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Knoxville High School in Knoxville, Iowa. Upon graduation, she attended the Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Not many people knew that she skipped a grade in middle school and made “straight “A’s” in Nursing School.

Upon completing her Nursing Degree, she enlisted in the US Navy serving as a Lieutenant JG at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital where she nursed Korean War Veterans back to health.

In 1955, her older Brother, Charles Wilcox, a WWII decorated fighter pilot introduced her to the love of her life, Carl B. Crumpler, an Air Force fighter pilot. Married in 1956, Jane and Carl traveled the world raising their family in such faraway places as Okinawa, Japan, and Tehran, Iran.

Jane was our family’s “rock” as she kept our Family (4 children) together through some of the most difficult times when her Husband was shot down and captured over North Vietnam in 1968. For two years, she did not know whether her husband was dead or alive. When he was reported as a prisoner of war by the Department of Defense, she took part in a coalition of POW/MIA wives and family members that attended the Paris Peace Talks. Upon her husband’s release and return home on March 14, 1973, she once again resumed a normal life as Mother and Wife.

Some of her most cherished time was spent with her family and friends on Lake Weir, Florida. She loved to cook and to party with her five grandchildren, Carolyn, Lauren, Carl, Matthew, and Suzanne. She will always remembered for her kindness and generosity toward others. She loved her nieces (Janet, Ginny and Laurie) and nephews (Chip, Rick and Chris) with all of her heart. She was a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Aunt to her family and we will always miss her smile and laughter.

Jane was predeceased by her husband Carl and daughter Beth. She is survived by her three children, Mike (Debbie) Crumpler, Todd Crumpler, and Leigh Ann (Jack) Eitler, her five grandchildren and her great grandchild, William M. Kalnin

Jane will be laid to rest beside her Husband at Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mount Mercy University School of Nursing and Wounded Warriors Project.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com for the Crumpler family.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.