William Crain was the oldest of seven children born to Jacob and Veronia Crain. Born in Grenada Mississippi, the family moved to Indianapolis in 1947. William attended Indianapolis public schools 4,17 32 and Shortridge High School. While attending Shortridge, William, also known as “Bo”, played and excelled in basketball and baseball. He was named All-City in both sports and was named to the Indiana All- Stars in basketball. After graduating from Shortridge, Bo attended Weber College in Ogden, Utah for one year and transferred to the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to play three years. He achieved all - conference honors and was on the 1961 team which finished fourth in the NCAA championships, losing in the third-place game, 127-120 in four overtimes. Bo returned to Indianapolis in the mid 60’s to begin a 30-plus years career at Chrysler Corporation, retiring in 1994. Bo continued to play basketball in the various leagues in Indianapolis and central Indiana, particularly, the Dearborn Gym, Fall Creek” Y” and of course the famous Indianapolis “Dust Bowls”. He was named to the Indiana Silver Anniversary team in 1984 and to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994. Bo’s number has been retired at Shortridge and he was recently named to the all-Shortridge team. Many former teammates and opponents speak enthusiastically about Bo’s high level of competitiveness. When Bo returned to Indianapolis, he had developed a passion for golf and eventually moved his athletic focus to become one of the top amateur golfers in the mid- west.

After retiring from Chrysler, Bo continued his security career with Securitas until a second retirement in 2018. Bo was a founding member of the Cosmo Knights social club and played an integral role in the development of its youth and scholarship programs for students. He was an active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Claver Council 109. Bo was an advocate for his family and youth, always encouraging and supporting his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and younger relatives. Words often used to describe Bo are, hardworking, competitor, integrity, caring, and giving! Bo was joined in matrimony to Marilyn Morris in 1984 and for 35 years their marriage has been a positive influence on his immediate and extended families. In these years, he was affectionately known by their friends and loved ones as Bill.

As he was a fierce competitor in life, Bo fought the battle with the coronavirus and his other health conditions until the end. Predeceased are his parents and brother Curtis. He leaves to mourn his passing, his spouse, Marilyn; Step-sons, Charles and Andre (April) Ervin, Tony Mason and Step-daughter Kathy Mason; sisters, Annie (Luther) Cox, Rose Crain and Louise Crain and brothers, Thomas (Jo Ann), and Clarence (Fabiola) Crain, two grandchildren and two great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Due to the COVID- 19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held on a future date. In Lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Holy Angels Catholic Church building fund, Shortridge High School Alumni Scholarship fund, The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis Summer Academy or your favorite charity