Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was 10 years old and lived next door to the first victim of the Wilkinson brothers before they took the life of Trooper Crumley. I am now a true crime author who would like to write the story. If anyone knows Trooper Crumley's family or friends, please contact me at (816) 674-8350.

JD Morrison
True crime author

April 11, 2023

Rest in peace Trooper Crumley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 6, 2020

Trooper Crumley,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oklahoma. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 28, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your courage and sacrifice. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 28, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 28, 2020

Parole was denied for Hubert Wilkinson on December 20. I believe we can rest a bit easier now. My thoughts and prayers go out of Officer Crumley's friends and family.

Anonymous

December 28, 2017

My letter was sent a few days ago. I hope it made it in time. RIP Officer Crumley. Thank you for your service and my prayers be with your family.

Anonymous

December 10, 2017

I just emailed my “NO PAROLE LETTER” on behalf of Trooper Crumley’s family. Jennifer even sent me an email confirmation that she will give it to the parole board members.
I am so very sorry for your loss; that you have to keep reliving through these parole hearings. Trooper Crumley, THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice. You are forever a HERO! God Bless you all!

Allie
Supporter of Law Enforcement
Wife of Corrections Deputy

December 8, 2017

I just spoke with Jennifer at the Oklahoma Parole board office. She said it’s too late to mail in the “No Parole Letters”, since the hearing starts on December 11th. However, she said if you send them to her email, she will make sure that the parole board gets them. Here is her direct email: [email protected]

Allie
Supporter of Law Enforcement
Wife of Corrections Deputy

December 8, 2017

Not only was this individual involved in the killing of an Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) he would later attempt an escape from prison for his crimes.

NO ONE, no matter what they have accomplished while incarcerated a cop killer should never be released from prison once convicted for killing a LEO. contrary to what some believe no Police Officer joins the force to be killed in the line of duty. No matter how safe the prison board feels he/she may have become they are a threat to normal citizens once released.

Ed Kostiuk
Marine Corps, Retired

December 8, 2017

Proud to send my No Parole letter today. Rest in peace brother, you have not been forgotten. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of Trooper Crumley during this time of re-opening a never healing wound.

Deputy Donnie Meaders
Okfuskee County (OK) S.O.

December 6, 2017

No one who kills any law enforcement officer should automatically get the death sentence with no appeal or yrs in prison, no parole period.

David Potter
Former special deputy Broome county sheriff dept

December 4, 2017

I received my first traffic citation in the summer of 1969 from Trooper Howard M. Crumley. I was a few weeks past 15 1/2 years old, a late Saturday night driving toward Healdton half way between there & the Healdton/Wilson Y.

My girlfriend had been returned to her home in Wilson on time & I was on my way home in Graham. When I met the car coming toward me, I dimmed the headlights of my 1958 Chevy. As we passed on the highway I saw it was an OHP car. Keeping a sharp eye on my rear view, I saw the headlights lightup the trees as Trooper Crumley made a U-turn. Sheer panic quickly set in.

Then, there it was... a dirt road to the right. I floored the old, beat up six cylinder Chevy & slid sideways making the 90 degree turn. Then, I shut the lights off, kept my foot off the brake & let the old gal coast in neutral. Trooper Crumley sped past the turn at a high rate of speed, lights flashing. Unfortunately for me, the cloud of red-dirt-road dust he drove through gave me away.

After discussing where I had been & was going, Trooper Crumley told me he stopped me because I had a taillight out. I told him I was not aware of that & would fix it the next day. Then he asked to see my license. Well, we all know what happened next.

After politely & professionally issuing me my ticket he started back to his cruiser. I said, "Excuse me sir" & asked if I could drive home on the backroads. He said I could... if I wanted another ticket. Then he calmly got in his car & drove away. Now, for some reason, I kinda think Trooper Howard had a little grin on his face as he drove around me. Not an evil or gotcha grin, no, just grinning as he thought about the mess this little, snot-nosed kid had gotten himself into.

Well, after waiting for a few hours until almost dawn, I drove home... on the backroads, event free. When I heard the tragic news the following summer, I felt really sad for him & his family. During the 46 years since I can't begin to remember the number of times I've told others about my chance meeting with a true Oklahoma Hero.

Sgt. F. Larry Brown
US Army, Ret.

June 17, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

Howard was married to my sister Shirley. I will never forget the day we received the news. Life as we new it changed dramatically. We love and miss you Howard. I am so proud to call you my Brother-in-Law. We will see you soon. I believe Jesus return will be soon.

Marjorie Johnson

December 11, 2014

To the family of Trooper Crumley,

I worked for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections approximately 21 years ago. During my tenure with DOC, I was assigned the task of being the Case Manager for Hubert Wilkinson during the early part of my career with the Oklahoma DOC. Having been a police officer for several years, I know and lived some of the dangers law enforcement officers face everyday. As a police officer, I conducted hundreds of traffic stops, disarmed people, fought with folks, was assaulted by folks, spit on by folks, cursed by folks, disrespected by folks, had folks disarm me!!!! I totally respect the job Howard Crumley performed as a Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper and will always keep his family and loved ones in my prayers. He made the ultimate sacrifice. Howard, continue to rest well my brother! Always know that we have got it from here!!!

Deon A. Clayton, Corr. Treat. Spec
Federal Bureau of Prison

November 12, 2014

As a dispatcher, this is so very true... I hope the dispatcher on duty that night doesn't blame themselves...

Letter printed and will go out Monday.....


A Dispatcher's Prayer


Lord, They're In Our Hands Tonight,Yours And Mine -
Those Guys And Gals Who Keep The Peace And Fight The Crime.
They're Men With Wives And Families,
And Feelings, too.

They Give Themselves For Our Protection, Those Men In Blue.
I Know My Part In This Is Crucial, Too.
I Must Inform Those Men In Blue.
When Trouble Strikes, And Where.
And Send Them Quickly, No Time To Spare.

I Cannot See The Scene From Where I Sit.
My Eyes And Ears Scan The Console, Brightly Lit.
I Must Wait In Blind Suspense
To Hear Each "10-4",
As They Let Me Know They Have Survived One More Time.

I Know A Part Of Them That Few Others See,
Their Eyes Reflecting Scenes Deplicting How Cruel Life Can Really Be.
A Battered Child, A Senseless Wreck,
Or A Murderer Set Free.
A Brother In Arms Shot Down,
Never To Be.

I'll Make The Coffee, And Keep It Fresh And Strong
They'll Stop By For A Cup Or Two, But Not For Long
Another Call, A Plea, or Just Happenstance.
Duty Will Beckon, "Come, Time To Take Another Chance"

I'll Answer The Phone And Questions Too.
And Dig Out The Stats And Records They Ask Me To.
I'll type The Reports And Of Course, Joke With Them Some.
I'll Even Put Off That Reporter Who Dials In On 911.

Let Me, Lord, Speak Calm And Clear,
To Those Out There While I Am Here.
I Am Their Link, And They Are Mine
In This Partnership Of Fighting Crime,

It Seems To Me That We're All A Team
They, You, And Me.
I Mean I'll Do My Best , And They Will Too.
But, Still Lord, We Need You To See Us Through.

Amen

Author Unknown

Communications.

November 8, 2014

I spent 20 years in Law Enforcement and have a son currently active, it breaks my heart that anyone who kills or badly assaults an officer is given consideration for parole. RIP Trooper Crumley, we'll make sure he gets his full sentence.

John Esposito
Retired

November 7, 2014

No such thing as a "routine" traffic stop. Be careful out there. Letter in the mail with some enhancement.

Sgt D Hylas
Stony Point Police, NY

November 7, 2014

Rest in peace my Sooner brother, your sacrifice was not in vain. Many years have passed since you were taken from us but you have not been forgotten brother. Thank you for your service and for giving your life in the protection of us all. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Trooper Crumley during this time of re-opening the wound that never heals. I am more than proud to send my No Parole letter out today. We are fighting for you sir as you fought for us.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

Sr. Ptlmn/K-9 Hndlr Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

November 7, 2014

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!! My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

November 7, 2014

I was the County Attorney of Love County when Howard was fresh out of Patrol School, which was his first place to serve as a trooper. I always rode with the new Troopers to find out what type person they were. Howard became my good friend, an excellent Trooper and was a really good person. Howard was pretty tough and didn't mind mixing it up with anybody. I rode with him a lot and was in Ardmore when he died. I will never forget that night. Such a terrible loss. I wrote a book, "The Red River Prosecutor" and Howard Crumley was all of Chapter 21 in my book. Howard was my friend and I wanted to honor him by writing about him. I think of Howard about every time I see an OHP car or Trooper. I will never forget him. Ken Bacon, Love County Attorney from 1964 to 1971.

Ken Bacon
Love County Attorney and later Oklahoma Court of Appeals Judge

April 18, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 42nd anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 5, 2012

Howard is still missed. Two years after his death, our mother passed, she had three sons and he was the last, she couldn't handle anymore.

We are still fighting to keep Hubert Wilkinson locked up.

I got a letter last December from Vine link telling me he would not be released last year.

I hate that it comes up just before Christmas. Howard spent his last Christmas with us. I had to keep slapping his
hands to keep it off the turkey.

I pray every day for the troopers out there, may God ride
with you.

Ladeen Crumley Johnston
HOWARD'S SISTER

June 30, 2012

I just wanted to let the Crumley family know that you are in the hearts and prayers of your brown shirt family. May God bless the Crumley family and may we will never forget.

Lieutenant
Oklahoma Highway Patrol

June 28, 2011