William "Bill" G. Crays

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William “Bill” G. Crays, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 09, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on April 15, 1934, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents Roy Crays and Estella (Neal) Crays.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and even great-great-grandfather, Bill was a pillar of strength and wisdom for our family. He was known for his love of gardening, being outdoors and appreciating the beauty of all nature around him. He also had a knack for woodworking, playing cards with friends and fishing. But if you were to ever ask him, he’d tell you that our big, warm family gatherings were what he looked forward to and cherished the most.

Bill met the love of his life, Mary Lou, in elementary school. At the time of his passing they were just two days shy of their 72nd wedding anniversary. If the concept of soulmates exists; these two were it. After retiring from Eli Lilly where he worked for 29 years, he and Mary Lou travelled most of the US, meeting wonderful people and making beautiful memories along the way. Together they volunteered for many years at the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry, as well as many decades at St. Lawrence helping with services and decorating the church for the holidays.

He was immensely proud of our big close knit family and his presence will be sorely missed every day. I hope he knew that we were all equally as proud of him and all that he accomplished in his life.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Crays; children, Gary L. Crays (Viki), Madonna L. Miles (Christopher), Cynthia J. Roberts (Vince), Annette M. Waterman (Keith); grandchildren, Dustin Crays (Stefanie), Jesse Crays, Erin Floyd (Kenney), Sean Miles (Jennifer), Heidi Kuhlmeyer, Jordan Lanigan; 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Eugene and Mary Evelyn.

Visitation for Bill will be from 4-7pm on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite) – 9700 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250. A funeral service will take place at 12pm, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church - 4650 Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46226. Entombment will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry (https://www.svdpindy.org/give/)