Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

Billy Joe Crigler

1927 - 2023

Posted 6/7/23

 

 

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, longtime public servant, and Fayette resident, Billy Crigler, age …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Billy Joe Crigler

1927 - 2023

Posted

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, longtime public servant, and Fayette resident, Billy Crigler, age 95, passed away at The Bluffs in Columbia, Missouri, on June 5, 2023.

Billy Joe Crigler was born December 17, 1927, in Fayette, Missouri. He was one of three children born to the late Willard Thompson and Jeffie Willie (Smith) Crigler. He graduated from Fayette High School in 1945. Upon graduation, Bill enlisted with the U.S. Army and served his country. He was honorably discharged in July of 1947. Bill then continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Methodist University. On December 26, 1948, Bill married the love of his life, Betty Ann George. The couple has enjoyed over 74 years of marriage. 

Mr. Crigler’s professional career was spent serving the public and working as a government official. In 1955, he started serving as Howard County Clerk. Following his position as county clerk, Bill was elected to the Missouri State Legislature for multiple terms, serving as Representative from 1962 to 1972. From 1973 to 1981, Mr. Crigler served as Assistant Missouri State Treasurer and then worked for the Missouri Secretary of State from ‘81 to ’85. Throughout his distinguished career, Bill worked as a 3rd generation auctioneer, a job he loved dearly and held for 30 years. Bill was also active in multiple organizations in the Fayette community and served in various capacities, including being a member of Fayette-Howard Lodge #4 AF & AM, the American Legion, and a lifetime member of the First Christian Church.

Bill was dedicated to public service and helping others. He believed in country, community, and loyalty. He made every effort to always vote at every election and contribute his part in making important individual decisions to help country, county, and civic. He strived to be an example to others toward building enthusiasm to unite all in efforts to create love and respect for all human beings. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, and he loved and respected them as well. Bill strived his entire life to help those who needed help or support, and he believed in reaching out to those in need. 

Survivors include his wife, Betty Ann George Crigler of Glasgow, Missouri; two children, Sue Ann (Jerome) Crigler Meyer of Glasgow, Missouri, and Daniel (Cindi) Crigler of Defiance, Missouri; four grandchildren, Julie Ann (Jesse) Kiefer, Christopher (April) Meyer, Courtney Crigler, and Kyle Crigler; three great-grandchildren, Levi, Daniel, and Dayne. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Bettie May Crigler Geiger, and Sarah Bee Crigler Mounter.

A funeral service honoring the life of Mr. Crigler will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, with Pastor Jamie Page officiating. Visitation will be an hour before the service starting at 10 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Central MO Honor Flight, American Legion Post 273 (Fayette), or American Legion Post 211 (Glasgow). Online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com.