The Rev. William H. "Bill" Crain, 84, of Leawood, Kansas, died on June 12, 2026, at Bishop Spencer Place, Kansas City.
He was born October 17, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, the eldest child of Bruce and Jewel Crain. His education took him far from Georgia – to Olivet Nazarene University, Creighton University, and the University of Kansas – but he never lost the soft and distinctive tones of his Atlanta accent.
Bill worked many years in Shawnee Mission schools as a psychologist. Following his retirement, he embarked on a second career in ministry. Ordained to the diaconate at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, he was appointed chaplain at Bishop Spencer Place. He considered his decade ministering to the residents there the most meaningful chapter of his professional life. He found comfort in spending his final days in the community where he had preached and provided pastoral care to so many others.
In addition to his deep gratitude for his dedicated caregivers at Bishop Spencer Place, Bill was immensely thankful for the support of the local Parkinson’s community. Following his diagnosis in 2019, he and Rebecca found the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center, where they were nurtured and uplifted by fellow members and coaches – a true blessing in their lives.
Bill was a faithful member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Kansas City, where he served as a Christian education teacher and Senior Warden of the Vestry. He also loved sports and was a fan of the Royals and Chiefs, of KU basketball and Georgia football. Throughout his life, he was an avid runner and maintained a regular fitness routine. He enjoyed hiking during annual trips to Breckenridge and Eureka Springs, and he treasured the learning experiences of traveling abroad with Rebecca on organized group tours. His spare time was often spent outdoors, tending the beautifully landscaped yard he and Rebecca created together.
Bill was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, and uncle. He loved spending time with family, and he cherished the memories of reading books to his young daughter, and later to his grandson. In addition to his affectionate nature, Bill had a clever wit and a subtle but sharp sense of humor that will be treasured in the memories of all those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Andes Crain, of Leawood, Kansas; his daughter, Hilary Crain Gardner, and son-in-law, Kevin Gardner, of Waco, Texas; his grandson, Graham Gardner, and granddaughter-in-law, Melissa Cullum Gardner, of Austin, Texas; his sister, Margaret Crain Bourne, of Boerne, Texas; his sisters-in-law and their husbands, Linda and John Lade and Karen and John Miller; his nieces and nephew and their spouses, Elizabeth and Craig Christensen, Jennifer and Ryan Brist, Allison and Jon Kapellusch, Dana and Steve Spohr, Shanlee and Sean McNally, and Tedd Weddle and Melanie Larsen; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.
A funeral will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, on Friday, July 24, at 3:00 pm, with the Rev. John Spicer officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri, 64113, or The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center, 3660 W. 95th St., Leawood, Kansas, 66206.
