By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
39 Comments
    • Service

      Family Celebration of Life at a Later Date

    • Full Obituary

      It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Rod Crome. Rod was born to Keith and Helen Crome on September 26, 1953 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
      Rod was raised on a farm just north of Albion, Illinois and graduated from Edwards County High School in 1972.
      Rod was a member of 4-H, FFA and travelled the county and state fair circuits throughout his life time. Rod was responsible for mentoring many young people during his career in the sheep industry, for whom many are still involved and credit their successes to his encouragement and guidance along the way.
      Due to Rod’s reputation of excellence in the sheep industry, he was asked to provide consultation on how to improve an owner’s flock, both nationally and internationally. Rod’s natural talent, combined with hard work and experience in the industry, led to him being highly sought after as a judge for state fairs, the International Livestock Exposition, and major shows and sales across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Columbia, South America.
      Although Rod was known for his expertise in the sheep industry, it was the manner to which he executed the work and his personal style that was most impressive. Rod loved people! Rod was well-read and had many interests, which led to his long-lasting friendships inside and outside the sheep industry. Rod had a talent for story-telling, with the charisma to bring people together, while never failing to make them laugh. Rod could tell stories for hours at a time and when finished, those listening wanted more.
      Rod had great love for his family and friends and fought a long and courageous battle to stay with them. Rod leaves us with the blessings of his daughter, Micca Hornbuckle (Scott) and granddaughter, Coe, in Douglas, WY, as well as his son, Mac Crome (Alisa) in Alpine, UT . Rod’s children and granddaughter were the joys of his life and he made many trips out west over the years to spend time with them. Rod especially enjoyed seeing and hearing about all activities related to his granddaughter, Coe, with whom he shared a special bond.
      Rod also leaves his mother, Helen Crome; brother, Jay Crome (Micki), and a plethora of cousins and other family members and friends whose lives have been enriched by knowing him.
      Memorial gifts in Rod’s name may be sent to the Edwards County Senior Citizen’s Center in Albion, IL.
      Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of Albion, IL is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and encourage fond memories of Rod and condolences for the family be left at www.meridithfuneralhome.com during this especially difficult time.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    39 Condolences
     
    1. Chuck and Terri Hilgeman and families / May 22, 2020 at 1:39 pm

      Sending love and prayers for comfort and peace…from our families to yours…A heartache like no other…So many wonderful and precious memories…xoxoxo ❤

    2. Linda Saxe / May 22, 2020 at 1:51 pm

      Helen and family, my deepest sympathy to you, on the passing of Rod. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.

    3. Danny J Lankford / May 22, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      One of the good guys! Condolences to family and friends.

    4. Curtis Ingram / May 22, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      Sorry to hear of passing of Rod. Such a great Guy.
      You have our sympathy.
      Curtis & Dolores Ingram.

    5. Myrna Mason / May 22, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      Helen and family: I was so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. I hope you are comforted knowing he is in no more pain and at peace. Even so, it still hurts. I will be thinking of you all in the days to come. Take care, Helen.

    6. Virginia Farmer / May 22, 2020 at 6:09 pm

      Mrs Crome and family, so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. My thoughts and prayers of this most difficult. Heaven is a brighter place.

    7. Pat and Bob Pampe / May 22, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      Sorry to hear of your loss.

    8. Steve and Norma Sawyer / May 22, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      A blessing to all who knew him…A legend gone to soon…thoughts and prayers ❤️

    9. Gwen Collins / May 22, 2020 at 6:31 pm

      Helen and family, so sorry for your loss.
      Love, prayers, and hugs.

    10. Dan and Josh Kendrick / May 22, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      So very sorry for your loss.Rod was a great man. His knowledge will be greatly missed.

    11. his friend Dennis Houser / May 22, 2020 at 7:14 pm

      i am so sadend by hearing of rod i will miss coming home and seeing his truck at my house and him sleeping and maybe a sheep or two tied to his truck

    12. James Simmons / May 22, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      Sad to here of Rod passing away, Always enjoyed being with him at the shows even if he was judging, He will be missed.

    13. Gary w Winzenburger / May 22, 2020 at 7:38 pm

      Our sympathies go out to Helen and family of my childhood friend with great memories playing in the woods and creeks of their farm in Albion.

    14. Amy / May 22, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      Sending prayers from our family to yours during this time.

    15. Dave Keltz / May 22, 2020 at 8:12 pm

      His legacy will go on for generations.

    16. Pamela Cole Smith / May 22, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      So sorry to hear about this. We sure had great times showing sheep together. My sympathies to all his family and friends.

    17. Dan and Judy Bosecker / May 22, 2020 at 9:17 pm

      Rod was the most interesting Man. I Loved to hear His stories, of all His adventures. Thoughts and Prayers to His Family.🕊🌹🙏🏻🐑🕊Dan Bosecker

    18. Greg and Dorothy Kuykendall / May 22, 2020 at 9:34 pm

      Hearing of Rod’s death makes us very sad. A kinder, gentler soul does not exist. Wise and witty, he was a master storyteller. Wherever you found him, he would be surrounded by an attentive audience. He touched so many, the world is a better place because he was here.

    19. Leslye Mack / May 22, 2020 at 9:41 pm

      My heart breaks for your family – continued prayers being lifted. Rod was such a wonderful man & I’m blessed that God crossed our paths through the many sheep shows our families shared.

    20. Gloria J Anderson / May 22, 2020 at 10:52 pm

      Our Family sends our deepest sympathy to Helen and Rod’s Family during this time. We have so many Fond and Special MEMORIES with the sheep and fair’s. The Keith Crome Family was very special to our Family. Keep Trusting in Jesus during the days ahead.Love You.

    21. Marla Swartzbaugh / May 22, 2020 at 10:59 pm

      Helen, Mac, Jay, Micki and family, Rod was a true blessing to several of us. I can remember when him and Mac would shear my sheep for 4H. Rod gave me points on how to set my sheep up when I was first learning to show sheep. Prayers to all of you during this time of sorrow. God has another angel.

    22. Kevin Smith / May 22, 2020 at 11:13 pm

      To especially Rod’s family and his friends, our heartfelt condolences to such a wonderful man! We live in Hydes, Maryland just down the hill where Rod raised sheep. I always enjoyed running into Rod at our local bar but especially at our local coffee/breakfast shop. There was always a crowd around, listening to one of his amazing stories!! Definitely not one of us Easterners, he had experienced more than anyone could have hoped for in our lifetimes! A true gentleman in every aspect of the word. A unique and once in a lifetime person you would ever want to meet. We need more people like you! Rest well my friend!
      Kevin and Linda Smith

    23. Steve and Bonnie Kruse / May 22, 2020 at 11:56 pm

      Helen, Jay and family we are so saddened to hear of your loss. Rod was truly one of the finest people I have ever known. We grew up on the fair circuit and had many amazing adventures together. We will never forget you and give them hell in heaven.

    24. Cindy Reese / May 23, 2020 at 6:48 am

      It breaks my heart to know I’ll never hear another of his stories or jokes. Such a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of him and for that I am blessed.

    25. Jim & Denise Percival / May 23, 2020 at 8:48 am

      Our deepest sympathy to the family and all those who called Rod “friend.” May the memories made through the years bring comfort in the days ahead. Rod’s smile will forever live on. The sheep industry is better because he lived!
      Jim and Denise Percival
      Schoolhouse Shropshires, Ltd.

    26. Peggy Vanooteghem, Rene' and Michelle / May 23, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Helen, Jay and families.
      Rod left us to go to a better place where there’s no more pain and no more worries. We are so thankful and blessed to have known Rod. Our lives were better for having known him. Though our hearts are breaking let’s celebrate his life and the light he brought to ours. We love you all.

    27. Barbara Lodwig Edmondson-Northern / May 23, 2020 at 10:07 am

      My thoughts are with you at this time. Rod was a good friend and kind soul.

    28. Susan Constance / May 23, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      My random remembrances of Rod always brought and will continue to bring a smile to my heart. My sincere condolences to your family.

    29. Randey Wall / May 23, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Sorry to learn of Rod’s passing. We had many good times at the Ill. State Fair and elsewhere. He is truly a legend in the sheep industry. My prayers and codolences are with the family. God Bless.

    30. McGrew Mahler families / May 23, 2020 at 6:24 pm

      Our condolences to Helen, Jay and the entire Crome family, So sorry for your loss…Rod will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    31. Em Curtis Stoery / May 23, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      Helen and Jay,
      Sending blessings and love to both of you. I treasure the time in Illinois and the special times we shared. Rod will always hold a special place in my heart and was a true, and amazing lover of life. I feel so blessed to have known his special smile, sense of humor, and compassion for all. May the grace of all heal our hearts at his passing…. and the tears melt into gratitude for the gifts he gave us and how they deepened our lives. I send love to your huge, immaculate hearts. Thank you for sharing your hearts with me.
      Many Blessings, Em Curtis (Stoery)

    32. Tracy Sutton / May 24, 2020 at 9:20 pm

      Very sorry for your loss. Was a very kind hearted man. They just dont get any better than Rod.

    33. Brenda Roahrig / May 25, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      Our condolences to all the family, Rod was a special person. Many memories of him.
      Marvin & Brenda Roahrig

    34. Melba Pierce Hodgson / May 25, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      So Sorry For Your Loss can remember when they were young .

    35. Joe Marshall / May 26, 2020 at 12:25 pm

      Helen and Jay sorry for the loss of your loved one and very good friend of mine. I will always remember the great times Rod and I had showing and spending time together telling stories of the past. Our condolences to all of you and Rods family.

      Joe and Debbie Marshall

    36. Sharon Frankland Sullens / May 26, 2020 at 10:50 pm

      Helen, Jay and family,
      I was so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. My prayers for peace for you all.

    37. Kent and Susan Harrison / May 27, 2020 at 6:39 am

      Kent and I have many memories. His raspy voice telling stories at the Blu Lagoon…

    38. Ricky Skillington / May 28, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      Rod was a true jewel in every aspect of life. His expertise with sheep was only surpassed by his expertise with people. Few people in this world leave a more lasting positive impression than Rod. The great shepherd met him at the golden gate and said to him, “Well done”.

    39. Dave Mojo Jones / January 3, 2022 at 2:53 pm

      So sorry to learn of Rod’s passing. I spent many hours with him getting the sheep trimmed for numerous sheep production sales over 25 years in the industry. If I were going to to put on a sale the first 3 people I would ask to help would be Rod, Kevin and Sarah K. I’m going to raise a glass to him tonight. Dave “Mojo”( as he would call me) Jones

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