Obituary

Michael Ray Crain

February 21, 1949 - May 1, 2025

Michael Ray Crain, age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 1, 2025, at his home in Franklinton with his loved ones by his side. He was born in Bogalusa on February 21, 1949, to his parents Elmo and Lillie Mae Crain. He was a long-time resident of Varnado until moving to Franklinton recently. Mike graduated from Varnado High School in 1967 then Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and always enjoyed his Partners in the Word Sunday School class. Mike retired as production supervisor with Texaco and Chevron after 30 years. He was very proud of his accomplishment of earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike was also into genealogy and was proud to have co-authored a compilation book on his Crain family.

He had a kind and loving spirit and cherished all times he shared with his family and friends, but Mike especially loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Mike was an avid LSU fan with a huge fondness toward Tigers Baseball. He attended many College World Series games in Omaha, NE, and one of his fondest memories was being at the game when Warren Morris hit the series-winning home run in 1996. Mike had a love of travel and was able to see many states across the USA and Canada in their motorhome with his wife, Konnie and enjoyed several family cruises.

Mike leaves behind to cherish his memories: Wife: Konnie Bickham Crain; Daughter and Son in law: LeighAnne and Dr. Jon Kittrell of Ellisville, MS; Stepdaughter: Jamie Burkhalter of Covington, LA; Stepson and Daughter in law: Kyle and Whitney Burkhalter of Franklinton; Grandchildren: Madison Kittrell, Ann Marie Kittrell, Jena Burkhalter, Skylar Tulion, and Jett Burkhalter; Great-granddaughter: Lindsley which he adored; Brother and Sister in law: Karl L. Bickham, Jr. and Jeannie Bickham; Sister in law and Brother in law: Karla and Larry Tullos; Special cousin and dear friend that he thought of as a sister: Mary Lee McKenzie of Varnado; Other dear friends: Buddy Jones and Jenny Goodrow; Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their families

Mike was preceded in death by his father Elmo Crain, mother and step-father Lille Mae Pierce Jones and Alton Jones, brother Richard “Ricky” Crain, sister Linda Darlene Crain, grandparents Artis and Ida Crain, Sederick “Shade” Pierce and Nancy Geneva Pierce, father in law and mother in law Karl L. and Lois Bickham and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Sunday May 4th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm Sunday with Dr. Jon Kittrell and Rev. Dustin Pierce officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Partners in the Word Sunday School Class at Hillcrest Baptist Church (2201 Washington Street, Franklinton, LA, 70438)

Pallbearers: Charles “Rusty” Burkhalter, Kyle R. Burkhalter, Karl L. Bickham, Jr., Danny Harris, Ronnie Hornsby, Stephen Warren

Honorary Pallbearers: Buddy Jones, Devon Thomas, Jason Lumpkin, Jr., Christopher “Chris” Bickham, J.L. Bickham, Jr.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Marc R. Matrana and Dr. Victoria Blossman for the years of loving care and to Pulse Hospice for their support.