On Saturday, March 5, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, a little reddish-brown baby boy named

David C. Crump was born to the late Frank and Mary Crump. What an exciting day that was.

David grew up in a Christian home and attended church regularly at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion in Gary. He received Christ at an early age and never forgot the Christian values planted in him during his formative years. In 1967, David graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School. While there, he became a member of a very talented singing group of young men who called themselves "The Epics". They patterned themselves after the "Temptations" and were quite popular and in demand. The Epics were known all over the city, winning all but one of the talent shows on which they performed. David's heart was broken to witness "The Jackson Five" taking home the trophy on that occasion. We know now that David was the last surviving member of the Epics. Surely, they have joined together again and are singing harmoniously, entertaining the heavenly masses.

David's education continued when he relocated to Massachusetts in 1967, where he first attended. Northeastern University and later Boston State College, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education Degree on June 4, 1971. And he didn't stop there. He went on to receive his Master's Degree in Education from Boston College and a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Bridgewater State.

While at Northeastern University, he met Sandra Gibbs, who became the love of his life and later his bride. As the story goes, she saw him first while looking out a window on campus and decided that she wanted to meet this fine-looking young man – and the rest is history. They married on February 19, 1972, at Concord Baptist Church in Boston, Massachusetts. It was a day to remember---bitterly cold, lots of snow outside, with nothing but warmth and happiness inside. It was a beautiful, well-attended ceremony and celebration. They left for a glorious honeymoon in Bermuda. This devoted duo of 53 years shared a deep love of travel. They enjoyed cruising – (yes, he performed on stage, mesmerizing audiences while singing his favorite songs). In addition, many wonderful, fun-filled vacations were spent in the Dominican Republic.

David began his professional journey as an educator in the Massachusetts school system, starting at Willard Elementary School in Concord, MA. His unwavering dedication led him to become an Assistant Principal at Pierce Elementary School in Brookline, MA, and ultimately, the Principal at Harrington Elementary School in Lexington, MA, where he retired. At Harrington, he not only inspired students through his leadership but also captivated them with his singing performances on stage. In recognition of his impact, the auditorium at Harrington is named in his honor.

With regards to family, whenever David visited family back in Gary, he always had a riddle or math question for his nieces and nephews. It was quite interesting to see him interact with them as they tried to unravel the query and come up with the right answer. Some of them still remember one or more of those instances. It is safe to say that David was always ready to challenge them to think.

As a youngster, David was somewhat reserved and quiet until it was "Showtime." As an adult, David was well-read, well-dressed, quiet, kind, kid-friendly, well-prepared, and a dedicated educator and leader who expected the best and always gave his best. He touched and influenced many lives. Family members, friends, and colleagues have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. He was loved and respected by many and will be missed but never forgotten. His earthly assignment was fulfilled. He passed the ultimate test and is now at rest. It was during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 19, 2025, that he transitioned peacefully at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and reached his new heavenly home.

Siblings preceding him in death are: Vivian R. Carter, James Albert Mariner, Beatrice Yvonne Sibley, Dorothy Cecelia Henderson, Lorraine Antionette McNair, Arthur Morrison Crump, Pearl Holderby, Eddie Crump, Bennie Crump, and Frank Crump – and we must not forget his beautiful dog, Makena, whom he loved dearly.

David is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Sandra, his last sibling, Adlee Hodges of Marietta, Georgia, sister-in-law, Janet Crump of Mansfield, Texas, and four generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins. From his "School-Family" his close-knit Principal Group, school staff, colleagues, friends, and students. His special and devoted friends, Lisa Quarles of Queens NY, Philip Robinson and Joseph Jackson of West Roxbury, MA, and Bettie and Dr. James Nolan of Chestnut Hill, MA.

We can truly say that David was loved, highly respected, and appreciated by all who knew and interacted with him. His was a life well-lived.