Jerome "Jerry" Crain's Obituary
Jerome Crain, 87, of Dallas, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Eli Cohen, and his sister, Mickey Meyers. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Charlotte (Norton) Crain; his sister Annette Friedman; his son, Bruce Crain; his daughter, Nicole (Crain) Diltz and her husband Kevin; and his grandchildren Madeleine and Alexander Diltz. He has five nieces and three nephews. Jerry was born on April 13, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1942, after an early graduation from Carter Harrison Technical High School, Jerry enlisted in the Armed Forces eager to assist his country in the 2nd World War. He joined the Army Air Corps and flew on B-24 planes as a member of the Fifteenth Air Force 464 Bomb Group. Jerry served his country in many conflicts abroad, such as Rome-Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley in Italy, Southern and Northern France, the Air Combat Balkans and the Rhineland in 1945. Jerry flew on multiple missions over the Ploesti oilfields in Romania, an operation ordered by General Eisenhower to attack German fuel production, which proved to be one of the most hazardous assignments of his military career. Jerry supported his country with much pride and was bestowed several decorations including the American Theater Ribbon, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star and 2 Bronze Battle Stars, 1st Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and The Purple Heart. After serving with the Air Force, Jerry entered the Restaurant industry and became owner to the 4th iHop to open in the Dallas area. This soon led him to open his own restaurant, Nikki’s in Richardson, Texas, which he owned and operated for 26 years. Jerry collected WWII memorabilia and proudly displayed them in the restaurant’s lobby. With his magnetic personality and witty story-telling, Jerry naturally made everyone around him feel like they were part of his extended family. Family was the center of Jerry’s world. He worked hard for his family, and sacrifices and dedication showed them love that words cannot describe. He always put others before himself, and when he walked into a room, everyone’s mood instantly improved. Jerry took true joy in living life – he appreciated the simple things it offered – and to be around him made you want to be a better person. Jerry’s character was a testament of his love with the Lord Jesus Christ. He was an original member of Prestonwood Baptist Church and lived his life with integrity, honor and strength. He lived each day with a sparkle in his eyes, friendliness in his smile, compassion in his heart, sincerity in his words, and selflessness in his actions. He will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 at Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 16th, in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park. The burial will follow, at 2:30 p.m. at the Dallas Fort-Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas ,Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daughters of WWII Veterans, an organization that supports and honors Veterans, 5600 Lovers Lane, Suite 116, P 123, Dallas, TX 75209.
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