A visitation for Mr. Harold Joseph “Doc” Cramer, Jr., age 93 of Ruston, LA will be held from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, Saturday, October 18, 2025 followed by a memorial service at 5:00 PM at Owens Memorial Chapel with Pastor Greg Clark of West Monroe officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Harold was born December 16, 1931 in Evansville, IN to Harold Cramer, Sr. and Mildred Cramer and passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025 in Ruston, LA. A proud veteran of 20 years in the United States Air Force, Harold served our country during the Korean War and Vietnam. Specializing in the field of communications intelligence, his expertise in message decoding won him many medals and commendations. In 1969, Harold received the highest non-combat medal the military bestows, The Joint Chiefs of Staff Medal. His service and sacrifice to our country carried with it values that he carried with him his entire life.
An avid sports fan, Harold was a 2-sport star in basketball and baseball at Memorial High School in Evansville, IN. He received a basketball scholarship to Tulsa University and played one year before enlisting in the USAF. His sport teams were many and varied, Notre Dame Football, Indiana Hoosier Basketball, The Chicago Bears, and his beloved, but ever frustrating, Cincinnati Reds.
Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Cramer, who he shared a full life of love for 60 years and over 30 years as residents of Ruston. He is survived by his son, Mark Cramer and wife Dee; grandson, Shawn Cramer and wife Sheree; granddaughter, Katie Cramer Raymond and husband Paul David; grandchildren’s mother, Debbie Cramer; great-granddaughter’s, Drew and Kate Cramer of Ruston and Elizabeth Raymond of Sterlington; great-grandson, Tristan Raymond of Sterlington; brother-in-law’s, Jon McEntyre of Corta Madera, CA and Jerry McEntyre of Mesa, AZ, and their families; and a host of other family and friends.
Harold will be remembered by all as a loyal friend who had unwavering strength and deep commitment to his family. The legacy of his kindness and compassion towards others will leave a fine example to future generations to follow. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
