Donald Cramer

Obituary for Donald Kermit Cramer

Donald Kermit Cramer, age 84, died February 26, 2017, of Alzheimer’s complicated by his ordeal in the Wild Horse area in early January.

He was born September 13, 1932 at home in Bennett, Colorado, the son of Kermit C. Cramer and Fern Dunbar Cramer. He attended all 12 years of school in Bennett, graduating in 1950.

He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving during the Korean war. Following his service years, he was employed mainly as a carpenter. He lived in Cedaredge and worked at the Delta and Rifle Correctional Facilities, building some of the buildings there with inmate labor. His children all attended Cedaredge schools.

He then lived for 20 years in the Aspen area building many fine homes there and caretaking a ranch along the Roaring Fork River. After retirement he moved to De Beque where he was mayor for six years. During his term the town purchased and renovated the community center building and received many large grants enabling the town to accomplish major projects.

Don was an avid archer. He was curious, innovative and always willing to try new things. He helped many friends and neighbors with their construction projects.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years Mary Jo “Jodi”, son Timothy (Kathi) Cramer, Athol, ID; daughters Deborah “Bunny” (Jess) Cramer-Carter, Stayton OR;  Elizabeth (Ted Backus) Cramer, Portland, OR; stepsons Robert (Tami) Looper, Basalt CO; Nick Looper, Carbondale, CO; and Mark (Deloris) Looper, Blaine KS; 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Open Bible Fellowship, 697 Denver Ave, De Beque CO, on Saturday March 11, 2017 at 10:30am followed by a lunch at the community center.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Independence Fund (www.independencefund.org) which provides all-terrain vehicles for veterans so they can continue to enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing.