Donald D. Crum

March 27, 1936 - January 8, 2016

Donald Crum, age 79 of Ogallala, passed away Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Ogallala Community Hospital. Donald was born March 27, 1936 at Canon City, Colorado to Earl and Grace (Culp) Crum. He attended school in the Denver area. Donald worked in a greenhouse in Denver for several years growing flowers. Donald was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, before a hardship discharge allowed for him to return home to assist on the family farm. On March 18, 1960, Donald married Cleo Merchen in Denver. Their union was blessed with 3 boys, Donald David, Earl Timothy & Jack Wesley. Donald decided to start his own greenhouse construction business, which he did for about 7 years before deciding to take a position as the head of maintenance at a 100,000 square foot greenhouse in Denver. Donald had always wanted to own and operate a motel, so in 1977, they decided to buy the Elm's Motel in Ogallala, making their home on the premises. The motel had doubled as a service station, which appealed to Donald, who was gifted mechanically and was a quick thinker. When Donald didn't have a tool that was needed, he was often known to craft his own to serve the purpose. Donald was a tinkerer, and could seemingly work on anything with moving parts. He taught himself to play the mandolin, enjoyed taking flying lessons, and was an avid fisherman. He had a "no nonsense" personality, which was something that his close friends and family came to appreciate about him. A memorial has been established in his memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. An informal Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 3 PM at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.