Omar W Cromlich

Omar William "BILL" Cromlich was born on April 12, 1917. His parents were Charles Omar and Julia Ann (McCleary) Cromlich.  In 1940, he married Neva Louise Templeton ( Sept. 6, 1921 - Sept. 15, 2003).  They lived their entire lives in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area.  They had two sons.  Jack Omar Cromlich (June 23, 1941 - Feb. 27, 2008) was born, before Bill went into service.  A younger son was born after his return.  Four granddaughters later joined the family.

     Bill was seriously injured in training camp, when a hand grenade ricocheted off of a tree.  Another man was killed.  Bill returned home after many months in the hospital, still carrying shrapnel in his chest.  It may have been a contributing factor to his death in 1983. 

     A large family mourned his death. He had been one of five brothers and had five sisters.  In order of birth, the ten siblings were : Lois Annabelle Griffith, F.T. "Jack" McClarey, Virginia Oma Sutton, Bill, Maudie Omalene Harrell, Charles Edward Cromlich, K. Lucille Smithey, Betty Jane Richards, Raymond L. Cromlich, and Robert L. Cromlich.  In addition, he had many nieces and nephews.  Bill and Neva are buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Greenwood, Indiana.