Obituaries

Garth E. Cripe

October 8th, 1943 – October 4th, 2021

Garth E. Cripe, 77, of Astoria passed away Monday, October 4, 2021 at 7:05 in the morning at Mason District Hospital in Havana, Illinois. Garth was born in Beardstown, Illinois on October 8, 1943 to Robert and Maureen Crone Cripe of Astoria. He married Carolyn Long on June 27, 1970 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, two sons Todd ( and Debbie Nitcher) of Auxvasse, Missouri and Scott (and Amanda) of Lewistown, Illinois. He was quite proud of his grandchildren Landon Robert Cripe & Meagan Eileen Cripe of Auxasse and Lydia Alice Cripe, Charles Garth Cripe, and Adah Caroline Cripe of Lewistown. He is also survived by one brother, Brian (and Sharon) Cripe of Forsyth, Illinois and their children Adam (and fiance Amanda); Garrett; and Sarah.

Garth was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law Alice Hays Long Lebkuecher & father-in-law Robert Long, & father-in-law Charlie Lebkuecher, his brother-in-law Chuck Lebkuecher, and brother-in-law John Long.

Garth graduated from Astoria High School in 1961 and went on to college to graduate from Canton Community College & then Illinois College in 1968. While in college he played football for the Illinois College Blueboys as a kicker and lineman. He was the first player to kick a field goal at the Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri at their then-new stadium. He was also the only kicker at Illinois College to return his own kickoff. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He began his teaching career at Ashland High School and then completed his years of teaching at Astoria High School from 1970 - 1999 where he taught English, Biology, & Speech. Along with teaching he had a long coaching career that included football, basketball, and track. Garth worked many summers along-side his friend, Dick Keene as a contractor for Pioneer seed managing a corn detasseling crew. Garth was an Astoria Township supervisor for the city of Astoria for several years.

Garth was an avid fisherman, spending many hours fishing with good friends Roger Mann, Ralph Matheny, his brother Brian, and best fishing buddy ever, his grandson Charlie. Garth enjoyed many family vacations to Minnesota to teach his family the fine art of catching a walleye, and how to give each other grief for outfishing one another. He practiced this often with his buddies while fishing at Roger’s. Garth was a charter member of the Astoria Lion’s Club. Garth also enjoyed hunting deer, duck, and turkey. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Elks Lodge #1007 in Beardstown, IL. For The National Wild Turkey Federation, he spent several years on the Spoon River Gobbler’s committee helping to organize the local annual fundraising banquet. Garth enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, a good crossword or sudoku puzzle, and lit up when his grandkids asked him to do anything with him whether it was fishing, playing a game, or teaching them to drive. Garth coached pony league during the summer as well as played slow-pitch softball where he played first base and pitched, and was famous for his out-of-the-park hits and self-invented sky-hook pitch. Garth was a St. Louis Cardinal’s fan, but an even bigger fan of all of the sports and activities in which his sons and grandchildren participated.

Garth had a laugh that could stop you in your tracks and draw you in, usually preceded by a corny or off-color joke. He was happiest when he was with his family and friends. He always gave sound advice to his children and grandchildren. His love was unconditional. He is loved and will be missed immensely.

Services for Garth will be held at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria at 10:00 am on Monday, October 11, 2021. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 10th from 2-4 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Garth Cripe Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Astoria Rescue Squad.

Condolences

October 4th, 2021

So very sorry. He will be missed. Nancy Carithers

October 4th, 2021

Lost for words. Prayers and love to the family. Shaunea, Gary Nichols and the boys

October 5th, 2021

What a lovely obituary! Garth was a kind and friendly person to those he had known for years and to people he had just met. So glad we got a chance to know him.
Jeannie and Steve Goodman

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss
So many wonderful memories of an amazing teacher and friend
Thinking of you all
The Taylor Families
Gary & Bev (Malott)
Miranda & Tristan Morrow

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for the loss. Love and prayers to your family. He will be missed greatly. Sherry K. and Frank kreichgauer

October 5th, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. Garth was my favorite teacher. A friend after graduation. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to all of the family..Dee Jones

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss he will be missed

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss. He will be missed,
Randy and Janice Ragle

October 5th, 2021

He was a great and kind teacher I am so sorry for your families loss what a wonderful man

October 5th, 2021

So very sorry to hear this he was an amazing friend my BUDDY he will be missed prayers to the family
John John And family

October 5th, 2021

So sorry to hear. He was a truly wonderful person, always brought laughter into a room.

October 5th, 2021

Sorry for the loss of Garth. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert and Susan Cameron

October 5th, 2021

Prayers for the family. Garth was a great man,Coach,and friend. He and his family lived in the neighborhood for years. I have a lot of great memories. Garth will definitely be missed. My deepest condolences to the family. Alan Cox.

October 5th, 2021

So very sorry to hear of his passing .

October 5th, 2021

To Mrs. Carolyn Cripe, Scott and Amanda plus your children you have our deepest sympathy. We were devastated when we heard about your husband, father, father in law and grandfather. We always enjoyed talking with your families at the girls basketball games. You all have our thoughts and prayers. Dick and Carol Well plus Marci and her girls.

October 5th, 2021

Mike and I are so sorry, Carolyn, and Families, for your loss of Garth! Our thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort at this sad time!! 🙏🙏🙏. Mike and Peg Davis

October 5th, 2021

We are very sorry to hear this sad news. To Carolyn, sons, and families, we send our deepest sympathy. John & Sandy Bybee

October 5th, 2021

So sorry to hear about Garth. Love and many.prayers are sent to all the family.

October 5th, 2021

Sorry to hear the loss of Garth. Our prayers go out to his family.

October 5th, 2021

So sorry to hear this...I never chew gum that I dont think of Mr Cripe...lol...prayers for comfort Carolyn and family.....Anni Mitchell

October 5th, 2021

One of a kind coach, teacher and man. He indeed will be missed. To the entire Cripe family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Shelby Burget

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss, he was a great teacher, coach, father, and husband. Prayers to you and the family!

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories. Garth was a great educator. Prayers.

October 5th, 2021

Sending prayers and hugs 🙏 no words to say how sorry we are for your loss . A friend to everyone who knew Garth. Bob and Rett Mummert

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Our kids loved having Garth as a teacher, and boy could he dance! Jodie & Robbin Kost

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss prayers. Gary and Marilyn Kimbro

October 5th, 2021

So sorry to hear about Garth. He had a big heart and a gentle nature. He was my pony league coach in the ‘60s. He was a great guy. My sympathies to his family. David Wilson

October 5th, 2021

So Very Sorry for your Loss Carolyn & Family. My Thoughts & Prayers are with You & All of The Familys. Sue Palmer & Family's

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many . Prayers for the family. Bob and Peggy Spencer

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for the loss of Garth Cripe. He was a great coach and teacher and I loved how he could have fun while still commanding a lot of respect in his classroom …..good memories. John Leib

October 5th, 2021

Lovely obituary, he will be missed. Prayers to you all.
Todd & Sara Watson

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Kathy Klinedinst and Dan Windsor

October 5th, 2021

What a wonderful written tribute to a good man. Susan Little

October 5th, 2021

Garth was a great man, loved my many! Smile in remembrance, rejoice in the fact he was a part of all our lives.He was a light to many. My deepest sympathies to all whi loved him.

October 5th, 2021

So very sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathies to the whole family. Brian Bucher

October 5th, 2021

Sorry for the loss to your famiily of Garth. Prayers to all, Marv n Marilyn Biesenthal family

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss to the entire family. Tammy Boland

October 5th, 2021

Thinking of you all with a heavy heart

October 5th, 2021

Carolyn,sorry to read of Garths' passing,thoughts and prayers for you and your family.Launi (Harmon)Klitz

October 5th, 2021

So very sorry to hear of your families loss. Sending hugs and prayers. Brad and Lisa Pollitt Aberle

October 5th, 2021

So sorry. Thinking of all of you.
Penny Collins

October 5th, 2021

I never met Garth but know Carolyn well. He had to be a great person. So sory for your loss.

October 5th, 2021

Liz Asher

October 5th, 2021

During this difficult time of loss hold on to each of the wonderful memories Garth has left with each of you. Todd and I hold some of those memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Juanita and Todd Helton

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for the families loss

October 5th, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. Garth was a good guy.

October 5th, 2021

I'm so sorry to read this news and for the loss you all are feeling. I wish I were able to come pay my respects in person, but please know I'm thinking of you all. He sure did have a laugh that could stop you in your tracks and draw you in. I didn't remember that he was an IC alum. It makes me smile to think of Coach Cripe today, but my heart is heavy for your all.

October 5th, 2021

'm so sorry to read this news and for the loss you all are feeling. I wish I were able to come pay my respects in person, but please know I'm thinking of you all. He sure did have a laugh that could stop you in your tracks and draw you in. I didn't remember that he was an IC alum. It makes me smile to think of Coach Cripe today, but my heart is heavy for your all. - Susan Bubb Jamison

October 5th, 2021

So sorry to hear of Garth’s passing. He was a good man. Hugs & prayers to all the family. Mark & Mary S Clayton

October 5th, 2021

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October 5th, 2021

So sorry to hear about Garth. Our sincere condolences for your loss. We both have great memories of him. He was a wonderful, encouraging, and fun teacher. During an anatomy test in Biology, as he slowly walked around the classroom watching us, I had one answer left and he paused at my desk and said "What's wrong Shaw, stuck on # 10? I think that's FUNNY." He smiled and walked on. Then I got it - - humerus. Joe enjoyed working for him at PAG, playing softball with him, and always had fun critiquing the Cardinal games whenever we ran into him. Carolyn, Todd, Scott, Brian, and families, may you find comfort and peace in his memories.

October 5th, 2021

Joe & Letha Stambaugh

October 5th, 2021

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Cripe family. Our thoughts are with you all. Chad & Rochelle Sappington

October 5th, 2021

So sorry for your loss! Garth was friends with everyone, always so kind! He was a leader in our class and so special in all the sports. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all that knew him. His classmate, Kay Briney Ripp

October 5th, 2021

So very sorry for your loss of Garth. Enjoyed working with him. Roberta Oest

October 5th, 2021

So sad to hear of Garths passing he was one wonderful person he was so good to me in school. I will always remember him as a kind and funny guy. Tammy Baldry/ Glenna Parry

October 5th, 2021

On behalf of the Class of ‘61, & in addition to Kay Briney Ripp’s condolence message, we could always count on Garth to enter the room & appear “larger than life”. We will miss him. Judith (Skiles) Anderson

October 5th, 2021

Sorry hear of Garth passing away. God be with you at this time. John Lawson

October 5th, 2021

Coach Cripe was a wonderful teacher and person. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. SANDRA ( SHAWGO) HAIST

October 6th, 2021

Mr. Cripe was a fun teacher and I have good memories of being in any of the classes he taught. Such a sweet man and will be missed by many. Sue (Rogers) Herrick

October 6th, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Carolyn and family. Garth was a good man and we pray that God will give you the strength you need to face the days ahead. Jerry and Denis Barnes

October 6th, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Garth was a great teacher and he loved my moms fat Albert's. You all are in my prayers.

October 6th, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Eric, Laurie and Austin Martin

October 6th, 2021

Sorry to hear about Coach Cripe, he was certainly a man of honor and a mentor to so many. May you find peace from God during this difficult time. He will be missed by all of us he touched and impacted over the years. Rest In Peace Coach!🙏🏻 The Biesenthal’s

October 6th, 2021

Coach Cripe if you know me you know he was and will always be mine favorite Coach of all time!
Condolences to Carolyn, Todd and Scott and especially every player he ever Coached!
Thanks Garth for teaching me about football and life. You are an ole democrat and will remain as such to me.
From Jeffrey L Smith

October 6th, 2021

So sorry for you and your family's loss. Tammy Moose Horsley

October 6th, 2021

Garth was a wonderful man, coach and teacher. I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you each find God’s Grace and peace.
Janet (Fouts) Hazzard

October 6th, 2021

It was with a heavy heart that we heard of Garth's passing .I will miss our exchange of fishing stories and Cardinals updates.He will be missed . Dr. Idol & Jill Mitchell

October 6th, 2021

I'm so sorry for your loss. Garth was a great friend and fellow fisherman to my dad and a wonderful co-worker to me. Take care. Bobette Massaglia

October 6th, 2021

Ronnie and I extend our deepest sympathies to your family. Garth was such an outgoing guy and I don’t think he knew a stranger. What a wonderful life he had. He will be missed, but he’s catching the biggest fish in heaven. Ron and JoEllen Spencer

October 7th, 2021

We are so very sorry for your loss. With our deepest sympathies, Rick and Kathy Heller

October 7th, 2021

Garth was a neighbor when I lived in Astoria and I was saddened to read that he had passed. My heart goes out to his entire family and many friends. I am so very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. Wanda (Baumgardner) Shannon

October 7th, 2021

I just heard and am so sorry Carolyn & family! I believe I gave him some trouble in Biology class when it came to dissecting things… but he was patient with this grossed out student! Hugs, Carolyn…. Caryl Lasswell

October 8th, 2021

So sorry for your loss, Dad constantly talked about his FOREVER friend and the fishing and hunting they did together when we lived in Astoria, especially the humorous ones. We loved seeing you both and sometimes you your families with you when going to Minnesota fishing. His
laugh was the best and I could not wait to hear it in person. Stay Strong. Love the Clark’s - Darline, Pam, Mac
Jr.

October 8th, 2021

Sorry to hear of Garth's passing, lots of memories.

October 8th, 2021

Steve Bucy

October 8th, 2021

Sorry to hear about his passing. He was one of Astoria's greats

October 9th, 2021

So sorry for your loss of Garth. May your memories be a comfort to you and the family. Jo and Pat Pierson

October 10th, 2021

So sorry to hear of Garths passing. He was a good friend and fishing buddy. Mike McCloskey

October 10th, 2021

My condolences to the family on your loss of my classmate Garth. Bobbi Jo

October 11th, 2021

So sorry to hear about Coach Cripe. So many memories growing up and playing sports. I love your family. Brad Beekman

October 11th, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Tommy and Pam Trone

October 13th, 2021

So sorry to hear of Garth's passing. He started teaching at Astoria my senior year and he taught us so much in all sports. He was a fine coach, a wonderful person, and a great friend during my teaching years at Astoria. You're all in my thoughts and I'll always remember my friend. - Kerry Welker