Alvin Thomas Crumly, 72
Alvin “Al” Thomas Crumly of Mission, Kansas passed away, Thursday, December 1, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.
Al was born February 18, 1944 to A. T. and Margaret (Hartman) Crumly in O’Neill, Nebraska. He graduated from Wayne State University and earned his master’s from the University of Mississippi. Al started his career student teaching in Columbus, Nebraska at a private Catholic school; then moved on to Council Bluffs as a junior high school science teacher. He worked in the restaurant business and landscape design until finding his true passion in fashion/retail. Al worked for the Brandeis department store and Ben Simons in the Omaha area, before becoming a regional manager for the Limited Corporation. Limited brought Al to Kansas City. In 1985, he opened Imagery in Westport, Kansas City, MO specializing in men’s clothing, building into several stores as well as expanding into women’s clothing and home furnishings. Al owned and worked daily in his business for more than 20 years. He was talented in outfitting his diverse clientele and earned not only lifelong customers but friends. Most will remember him as a proponent of the Westport Merchants Association and the Westport/Plaza neighborhoods. Al was a man of the daily work routine; he enjoyed his morning cappuccino, lunch at the Classic Cup in the backroom, taking Roxie out for her daily walks, and stopping in Murray’s Ice Cream for his afternoon ice tea. In his small amount of down time, he took great pride in tending his garden, taking care of his home and exploring the fine eating establishments of Kansas City.
After Al sold his business and retired, he continued to be an avid gardener, work on his home, help at his church, and volunteer at the Village Food Pantry. He also enjoyed reading, collecting wine and spending time with his grandchildren.
Al is survived by his mother Margaret Crumly, sisters, Janice Champion and Donna (Jim) Nissen, daughters Alysha (Dan) Jackson and Alyssa (Paul) Georgie, grandchildren Bennett Jackson, Ella Georgie, Paige Jackson, Norah Georgie, and Keller Georgie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred “A.T.” Thomas Crumly.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2pm, December 9, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 6306 Roe, Prairie Village, Kansas, 66208. Pastor Jeff Clayton will be officiating. Southminster Presbyterian will offer a reception following services. Memorials may be made to Village Presbyterian Food Pantry; Meneilly Center, Attention Food Pantry Director, 9960 Mission Road, Overland Park, Kansas, 66207. Those wishing to sign Al’s guestbook may do so at www.cathyb6.sg-host.com
Alyssa, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your entire family. Thinking of you!
Alysha and Alyssa – I have been thinking about you this week and I am so sorry for your loss. Take care and we are praying for your families. Big hugs from the Hurts!
Mike, Michelle, Allison and Avery
Alysha, Alyssa and families: I’m so sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers are with you all! Hugs, Liz
Amazing Man that I had the privilege to work with for many years. He taught me a lot about hard work and life. Truly an amazing man.