Dec. 5, 1929 - Sept. 26, 2013

ELKHART — The Rev. Ira L. Crise went to sleep early Thursday morning, Sept. 26, 2013, and woke up in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with his loving wife Lois at his side. He was 83.

Ira was born on Dec. 5, 1929, in Elkhart to the late Cleo W. and Esther E. (Wade) Crise. He married Ardella F. Wells on May 25, 1949, in Bristol, she passed away on March 9, 1998. He married Lois J. Gipson on Oct. 2, 1999, in Angola.

Lois survives, as do a daughter, Shirley E. (John) Faigh; and his son, David K. Crise, both of Elkhart; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; stepsons Shawn Siria of Goshen and Billy Dillingham of Elkhart; stepdaughter Deanna Dillingham of Goshen; two step-grandchildren; two great-step-grandchildren; brothers Carl R. (Madonna) Crise of Elkhart, Robert W. (Bonnie) Crise of Elkhart, Joseph P. (Alicia) Crise of White Pigeon, Mich., and John (Norma) Crise of Elkhart; and sisters Virginia E. (Marvin) Trost) of Goshen and Mary Johnson of Elkhart.

A daughter, Elizabeth Darlene Hershberger, and sisters Ruth Waggoner and Esther May Collins preceded him in death.

Ira retired after nearly 61 years in the musical instrument industry. He specialized in the bassoon. The Rev. Ira also served as a pastor and in ministry for 60 years, many with Faith Tabernacle Church, which became Whosoever Will Worship Center. The Rev. Ira was a 55-year member of the Pentecostal Church of God. He loved music and played the organ professionally in our area.

Please join with his family from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Services celebrating the Rev. Ira's life will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, with visitation for one hour prior at Whosoever Will Worship Center, 2819 S. Sixth St., Elkhart. The Rev. Thomas Branham, district bishop of the Indiana District Pentecostal Church of God, and Pastor Tony Tice, Ira's grandson, will officiate. Burial will follow in Little Pine Cemetery in Goshen.

The family kindly request memorials gifts be given to the church missions or Gideons International, 5318 Larkspur Drive, South Bend, IN 46614.

Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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