Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Bruce D. McCrillis, 74, of Norwalk, Ohio, went to be with the Lord, Friday, July 15, 2016 in Fisher-Titus Medical Center.
He was born December 4, 1941 in Norwalk, Ohio to the late Rex J. and Gertrude I. (Martin) McCrillis, and was a lifelong area resident.
Bruce graduated from Norwalk High School, and as a boy suffered from a life threatening respiratory condition. As a teen he worked summers in the pristine environment of Northern Ontario at Camp Bay-Lee-Mac, and on the Ontario Northland Railroad. He was active in Cub, Boy, and Explorer Scouting, and was an Eagle Scout. Bruce's lifelong passions included learning how to love, serve, and live in union with God. He was also passionate about helping others' healing, restoration, and growth, and guiding lives toward the appreciation of God's manifold expressions of Himself, in nature, inspirational writings and works, and his own unpublished written works.
He attended the Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Saint Louis University with a Master's degree in Social Work, and did post graduate short term studies at the American Institute of Holy Land Studies (now Jerusalem University) in Jerusalem, Isreal. Bruce administrated and practiced as a clinician in the areas of Children's services, aging, mental health, and residential treatment.
He was a solo private practitioner for sixteen years as a Licensed Independent (Clinical) Social Worker specializing in Christ centered Biblically based counseling, psychotherapy, consultation, and supervision services. He came to the end of himself and his self-sufficiency, of his resources to live as if he were independent toward God in 1981. Bruce and his wife, Margaret A. (Gibbs) McCrillis, studied in Jerusalem and served in four ministries. The primary one being the setting up and operation of a small treatment unit within an Isralic institution serving primarily Jewish and Arab children, and counseled professional social workers.
He worshiped and served with members of various Christian denominations. Bruce's wife, Bonnie A. (Hakes) McCrillis, was a loving, devoted, supportive marital and spiritual partner in their offering of Bruce's professional services.
He is survived by his sisters, Janice Bowen of Norwalk, Ohio, and Donna Reer of Davenport, Florida, by his children, Christopher (Karen) Carmody of Durham, North Carolina, Ian Carmody of Brooklyn, New York, and Sibhan Carmody of Austin, Texas, by his granddaughter, Ayla, and by his step-daughter, Casey Nead of Norwalk, Ohio. Bruce is also survived by extended family members of the Gibbs and Hakes families, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret A. (Gibbs) McCrillis, by his wife, Bonnie A. (Hakes) McCrillis, and by his ex-wife, Maureen J. Carmody. Bruce was well loved by those who knew him and those whom he served.
Friends may call on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Pastor Doug Peterson will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Heart of Ohio Council, 3 North Main Street, Suite 303, Mansfield, Ohio 44902.
Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.
