Earl Crutcher

Earl Crutcher was born June 24th, 1940 in Memphis, Tennessee and was the 6th of eight children to Theodore Rudolph Crutcher Sr. and Willie Mae Crutcher. He left home at a young age, and followed his sister Ramona to Cleveland, Ohio to which he considered his hometown. He spent his formative years working hard in Cleveland for the Stouffers Corporation. In 1969, He moved his sister Ramona to Albuquerque, NM. He expressed many times to family how he, drove over the mountains and when he, saw the valley he said he was “home!”

Now living in Albuquerque, Earl began working at Kirkland Air Force Base as a barback. He moved up the ranks to become a bartender, to a Manager of the NCO club, then managing several clubs on base. This job introduced him to great friends. One of these friends, Russ, introduced him to his loving wife Flora whom he married June 11th, 1977. From this union, Earl and Flora had three children Delia (from a previous marriage), Juana, and Ramona. 

Although Earl and Flora had only three girls (Juan doesn’t count). He also, was a father figure to many others in the family. Many nieces and nephews can attest to the generosity and support Earl gave. There were very few games that he missed like football, basketball, and baseball. When his daughters wanted to play baseball, and they needed another coach, he stepped up to support his daughters and niece. 

Throughout his years on K.A.F.B. he shared many stories and events that impacted all of our lives. The lost watch of our current pastor (you’ll have to ask him) and his daughters late nights helping out daddy at the bar (this was the 1980’s people). He retired from his civilian service in 1992. After his K.A.F.B, Earl came out of retirement as a favor to his daughter. With his expertise in the kitchen, he became a valued cook for La Petite Academy. Feeding and inspiring, child and adult alike. After 10 years of service to this community, he retired a second time.

Many people may not know, but Earl died before. In 1985, he was hospitalized for several months. At one point during this time he died. He shared his testimony to only a few kids in summer program. How during that moment, he vividly remembers being pulled into a dark pit. Then hearing a voice praying for his recovery, and a cooling peace wash over him. God answers prayers! And, when he recovered his life had changed. He became a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where he dedicated his life to God and worked in many positions supporting his church, family, and pastor. Always keeping the faith. In ____ his membership changed to Grace Temple Baptist Church. Not to follow his Nephew the newly installed pastor, Rev. Willie Russell Sr., but to hear the man of God that was placed in his life. 

On Saturday February 8th, 2020, God saw fit to take Earl home to glory. He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, and 6 siblings. Delores, Aline, Robert, Theodore Jr., Bonnie, and Ramona. Earl leaves to morn his passing his wife Flora, a sister Dorothy Crawford of Chicago Ill. daughters Delia Polanco, Juanita Muller (Daniel), and Ramona Crutcher. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Nisa, Isaiah, Jordyn, Aria, and Terry as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. He was a strong father figure to many taking the time to show others he cared.