1945
Roger
2025
Roger Crago
September 20, 1945 — February 16, 2025
Roger William Crago, 79, of Chillicothe, Ohio passed away into the arms of our Lord on the morning of Sunday, February 16, 2025.
He was born on September 20, 1945, being the second of five children of Marcus William and Ina Louise (Bower) Crago. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1963 with many notable achievements in sports and academics.
He married Margaret Sue Bookwalter in 1968, who survives, and have celebrated a lasting love of 56 years together. Their daughter, Cynthia Monesa (Michael) Clark of MA; and granddaughters: Kyler and Savannah Clark, were very precious to him. Also surviving are sisters: Connie (Richard) Senter and Cathy (Tony) Johnson; and sister-in-law Debra (John) Parks. Roger was predeceased by his parents Marcus and Ina Crago, in-laws Sylvester and Melissa Bookwalter Bennett, a brother Robert Crago, a sister, Carolyn May; and many other endearing relatives.
Roger extended his education through Ohio University, Xavier University, and Ohio Dominican University which enabled him to be a teacher, Principal, and Superintendent for the Westfall and Chillicothe School Systems.
He started his teaching career at Westfall Schools of Pickaway County in Ohio as a Physical Education Instructor in 1967-69. During his time at Westfall, he served as a coach for Football, and Basketball. He left in 1969 to join the teaching staff of Smith Jr. High; Chillicothe School System and he continued his love for coaching. In 1975 he became Head Varsity Football Coach of Chillicothe High School. From 1977 -1986, he changed hats to work at various jobs as Assistant Principal and Principal for both Junior High and High School. In 1990 he became Superintendent of Westfall Schools. After his retirement from Westfall, he was called back to Chillicothe to become Superintendent. He made his final retirement from Chillicothe Schools in 2011. Other than his normal administrative duties he also oversaw several new building projects which enhanced the communities. He always ran a tight ship but was fair and compassionate.
To say he retired never meant he stopped giving and serving education needs, and his community. He was a member of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Association for Superintendents and Curriculum Development, President of Chillicothe Association of School Principals, Charter member of Phi Delta Kappa (Great Seal of Ohio Chapter), Curriculum Commission, School Study Council of Ohio, member of Sunset Club, member of Circleville Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President of Salvation Army Board, 30 years active member of Elmdale Grange of which he served multiple positions including President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and at this present time President of Scioto Valley Habitat for Humanity. For his community service, he was recognized with the honor of "Roger Crago Day -April 28-of 2011."
He was a devoted family man who loved family gatherings. He was a great storyteller whether he was entertaining the family or speaking for various prestigious organizations. He was a member of Walnut St. United Methodist Church and participated in various groups of Bible Studies, Worship gatherings such as "Celebrators" and gave his heart and hand to all in need. He continued to love his sports over the years and played basketball as often as his health would allow and was an Usher for OSU. Over the years he made many friends and stayed close to them and many former students as well. He was always part of his family's joys and sadnesses. He was a leader, a mentor, a friend, and companion to many through his years.
Viewing will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 4-7PM at Haller Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Ohio. Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11AM at Walnut St. United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Ohio, where friends may call from 10-11AM.
Honor his memory by donating to Adena Health Foundation-Cancer Fund, 9 S. Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.
He was born on September 20, 1945, being the second of five children of Marcus William and Ina Louise (Bower) Crago. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1963 with many notable achievements in sports and academics.
He married Margaret Sue Bookwalter in 1968, who survives, and have celebrated a lasting love of 56 years together. Their daughter, Cynthia Monesa (Michael) Clark of MA; and granddaughters: Kyler and Savannah Clark, were very precious to him. Also surviving are sisters: Connie (Richard) Senter and Cathy (Tony) Johnson; and sister-in-law Debra (John) Parks. Roger was predeceased by his parents Marcus and Ina Crago, in-laws Sylvester and Melissa Bookwalter Bennett, a brother Robert Crago, a sister, Carolyn May; and many other endearing relatives.
Roger extended his education through Ohio University, Xavier University, and Ohio Dominican University which enabled him to be a teacher, Principal, and Superintendent for the Westfall and Chillicothe School Systems.
He started his teaching career at Westfall Schools of Pickaway County in Ohio as a Physical Education Instructor in 1967-69. During his time at Westfall, he served as a coach for Football, and Basketball. He left in 1969 to join the teaching staff of Smith Jr. High; Chillicothe School System and he continued his love for coaching. In 1975 he became Head Varsity Football Coach of Chillicothe High School. From 1977 -1986, he changed hats to work at various jobs as Assistant Principal and Principal for both Junior High and High School. In 1990 he became Superintendent of Westfall Schools. After his retirement from Westfall, he was called back to Chillicothe to become Superintendent. He made his final retirement from Chillicothe Schools in 2011. Other than his normal administrative duties he also oversaw several new building projects which enhanced the communities. He always ran a tight ship but was fair and compassionate.
To say he retired never meant he stopped giving and serving education needs, and his community. He was a member of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Association for Superintendents and Curriculum Development, President of Chillicothe Association of School Principals, Charter member of Phi Delta Kappa (Great Seal of Ohio Chapter), Curriculum Commission, School Study Council of Ohio, member of Sunset Club, member of Circleville Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President of Salvation Army Board, 30 years active member of Elmdale Grange of which he served multiple positions including President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and at this present time President of Scioto Valley Habitat for Humanity. For his community service, he was recognized with the honor of "Roger Crago Day -April 28-of 2011."
He was a devoted family man who loved family gatherings. He was a great storyteller whether he was entertaining the family or speaking for various prestigious organizations. He was a member of Walnut St. United Methodist Church and participated in various groups of Bible Studies, Worship gatherings such as "Celebrators" and gave his heart and hand to all in need. He continued to love his sports over the years and played basketball as often as his health would allow and was an Usher for OSU. Over the years he made many friends and stayed close to them and many former students as well. He was always part of his family's joys and sadnesses. He was a leader, a mentor, a friend, and companion to many through his years.
Viewing will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 4-7PM at Haller Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Ohio. Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11AM at Walnut St. United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Ohio, where friends may call from 10-11AM.
Honor his memory by donating to Adena Health Foundation-Cancer Fund, 9 S. Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roger Crago, please visit our flower store.
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Walnut St. UMC
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Walnut St. UMC
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