Anthony J. McCrary

     Anthony James McCrary, of Fond du Lac, passed away at St. Agnes Hospital on Tuesday, February 9th, Tony was 77.

     He was born on September 22nd, 1943 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Douglas S. and Christina E. (Bernath) McCrary.

     He graduated from L.P. Goodrich High School in 1962 and enlisted in the United States Navy in August of that year. He was honorably discharged in 1966 as a Storekeeper 3rd Class. During his service he married the love of his life, Linda B. Mosher on July 19, 1965 at the Church of Peace.  When he returned to Fond du Lac, Tony began his career as a draftsman at Giddings and Lewis. He was also a map maker for Fond du Lac County. He worked part time as a bartender at local supper clubs to help pay for college. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Art Education, Cum Laud from The University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh in 1979. He often said the most rewarding job was teaching art to children with cancer.

     Shortly after that he moved his wife and children, Shawn D. McCrary, Mark W. McCrary and Heather M. McCrary, to Denver, Colorado where he continued to pursue his career with Johnson & Johnson, Ampex, Martin Marietta, WAPA and Tri-State G&T. When times were tight, he delivered pizzas for Domino’s to provide for his family. Tony reluctantly retired in June of 2013, and returned to Fond du Lac to spend time with his family.

     He loved to travel. He traveled the world in the Navy and continued to travel with his family, taking them on countless cross-country excursions. Tony especially loved National Parks, if there was one nearby on the route we were going.

     Tony was a nationally recognized artist. He was accomplished in sketching, painting, sculpting, weaving and serigraphy. He was a member of the Colorado Watercolor Society as well as a member and president of the Denver Allied Artists Guild.

     Tony was a Patriot, his service to his country didn’t end with his time in the Navy. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 178, Lakewood, where he served in various positions including Chaplain and Commander as well as a generous bartender. He was also a member of the post Honor Guard. He was a member and past Chef de Gare of the 40-8. Tony was a Chaplain for the American Legion Department of Colorado for numerous years. He was also a member of the Navy Club Ship 75 in Fond du Lac and was active until his passing, He also led the Cub Scout Pack at Chegwin Elementary when his sons were young.

     Tony was a Man of God and taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and created banners for many churches he attended.

     Anthony James McCrary is preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Christina McCrary; his older brother, John A. McCrary and sister-in-law Denise T. (Mikson) McCrary; a grandson, Rudy James as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles.

     He is survived by his wife Linda B. McCrary; children, Shawn D. McCrary (Kathy), Mark W. McCrary and Heather M. McCrary (Chris Patterson) and grandsons, Jonnathon A. McCrary, whom he raised as a son, and Samuel A. McCrary. He was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Patrick and Liberty. He is also survived by his sisters Dianna (John) Hutter and Maxine (Larry) Bicklehaupt as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins.

     SERVICES: Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 19th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and Saturday February 20th from noon until to 1:00 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1:00 PM on Saturday; with internment with military honors at Rienzi Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at American Legion Hall, at 500 Fond du Lac Ave in Fond du Lac.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to the charity you support.