Chinook, MT

Will James Crasco and Thelma Jane Poole Crasco made their final journey together on April 30 and May 1, respectively. Will was born January 9, 1940, the third-born to John and Rebecca Crasco. In his younger days, Will was known as a pretty fair saddle bronc and bull rider. He served with honor in the United States Army from 1963-1964. He was also known as a good heavy equipment operator and truck driver, which he did for 31 years. Will was very well known for his musical talent as a guitar player, fiddlier and bass guitarist as well. He gained quite a reputation and provided music for many events and gatherings. When Will was 22, he met and married Arlene “Babsie” Trottier of Malta. Three children were born to this union: Rena, Dale, and David. Will and Babsie later divorced.

Later, Will and Thelma were married; they were together for 33 years. Thelma was born on April 3, 1942, in Tennessee. As Will used to say, “Thelma gave me the best years of my life.” The two of them were fixtures in the community, and he and Thelma regularly provided music for parishioners at the church they attended.

Will was preceded in death by his daughter Rena. An older brother, Gordon, and an older sister, Ethelyn, as well as his next younger brothers, Leon and Luther, all passed on before him. Thelma was preceded in death by her son Robert (Skip) Walsh.

Will and Thelma are survived by their children Robin, Dale, David, and Geniffer; granddaughters Neala and Christen Crasco; grandsons Zach Crasco, Mike Crasco, Walter Florcik, Quinn Mulluk, Jacob Folk, and Tuff Folk; one great-grandson, Kingston Folk; and numerous nieces and nephews. Will is also survived by his sisters Marjorie “Marge”, Margaret “Peg” (Crasco) Doney, Mary (Crasco) Mount, Arvilla Crasco, Sandra (Crasco) Ganuelas; and his brothers Darryl Crasco, Orville “Jake” Crasco, and Maynard Crasco.

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