David Crais

Lt. Colonel David Emile Crais USMC (Ret), 72, of Etowah, passed away on September 22, 2017. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the son of the late Henry Rosenberg and Helen Jane Whitaker Crais. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Henry Crais.

David grew up in a large family of six children who enjoyed all that there was to offer in the exciting, food-centric town of New Orleans. He earned an athletic scholarship to Tulane University where he ran track and majored in English. During his senior year he married his high school sweetheart, Dianne. Upon graduating from Tulane he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and was later sent to Vietnam. David spent twenty years in the Marine Corps proudly serving his country. During this time he had three sons and a daughter who traveled around the country and overseas while he served.

While living in Tybee Island, GA he married Denise. They then bought a farm in Etowah, NC and affectionately named it Little Farms, the place where David grew up in New Orleans. David had a great appreciation for the Blue Ridge Mountains near Brevard. He was an avid motorcyclist, car enthusiast, and he loved his family dearly. David's final years were spent doing the things he loved: He spent time refurbishing a classic car, remodeling his home, and tending to his farm. His final days were spent embracing the love from his family.

He will be missed deeply by his family, friends and fellow Marines.

A Memorial Service to honor the life of Lt. Col. Crais will be held at 5:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Etowah Presbyterian Church in Etowah, NC, with Rev. Kyle Segars officiating.

The United States Marine Corps and the Transylvania County Honor Guard will provide military rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the USMC Heritage Foundation, 3800 Fettler Park Drive # 104 Dumfries, VA 22025.

To leave a condolence for the family of David Emile Crais, please visit "obituaries" at www.moorefh.com . Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is caring for the family