"Johnstown Tribune-Democrat," Johnstown, PA- Friday, March 29, 2024:

CRUM - Shawn S., 38, Portage, died March 28, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center. Born Feb. 19, 1986, in Windber, the son of Retired CSM Kenneth and Connie (Fleck) Crum. Deceased family members include paternal grandparents, John and Dorothy Crum; and maternal grandmother, Margaret "Marge" Fleck. Survived by loving wife, Becky (Wess) Crum; daughter, Amelia; and son, Reid. Brother of Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer (Lee) Crum-Bailey and Sarah (Carl) Sparks. Also survived by maternal grandfather, Steve L. Fleck, and father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Mary Ann Wess, and brother-in-law, Wayne Wess. He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephew. Shawn was the heart and soul of his family and will be tremendously missed. A 2004 graduate of Forest Hills High School. A Military Veteran who served as a SGT for the PA National Guard 2/104th General Support Aviation Battalion. He was a UH-60 Crew Chief and flight instructor for over 10 years. He conducted Rescue Hoist Operations and was instrumental in the earliest days of PA-HART program. He took tremendous pride in his military service, a job he truly missed. Shawn was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. He fought a courageous battle for 14 years; a battle in which we all knew only Shawn could fight. As the years were long and hard, he never once gave up or let it bring him down. It was a battle in which he was resilient and fought to the very end. He enjoyed hunting, boating and the simple pleasures of living in the country. He was a great storyteller with the ability to find the perfect words to paint a perfect picture. He cherished the hell out of the time he had with his wife and children. He will be storming the heavens and making everyone laugh as he did during his time here on earth. A consummate leader and warrior. Enjoy flying again. Friends received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, PC, Portage, where Parastas will be sung at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Resurrection Matins will be sung at 10 a.m. Wednesday at SS. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Portage, Fr. James Spontak, Celebrant. Committal in St. Bartholomew Cemetery. Military Funeral Rites by the Portage Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks memorial contributions be made to the family to defray the funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at serenkoclaarfuneralhome.com.