Eulogizing Crum: “A man’s man. A sheriff’s sheriff.”

TAYLORSVILLE, W.Va. — Mingo County said goodbye to slain Sheriff Eugene Crum Sunday, though speaker after speaker at his emotional funeral said he would not be forgotten.
Crum, 59, was shot and killed Wednesday as he ate lunch in his cruiser not far from the front door of the Mingo County Courthouse in Williamson.

Crum’s widow Rosie, their children and grandchildren sat in the first few rows of seats at Mingo Central High School. The sheriff’s casket was open during the service, the lower half draped with an American Flag.

The theme of Crum’s 93-day stint in office was fighting prescription drug abuse in Mingo County, described by some as the “scourge” of the county.

Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury, in eulogizing his friend, said Crum didn’t go after the drugs for the arrests but for the healing it could bring.

“Not for the glory of arrests but because, he said, ’I've been to too many funeral homes. I’ve been to too many wakes. I’ve seen too many crying families. I’ve seen too many lost,’” the judge said.

Several, including county leaders and members of Crum’s family, have linked the sheriff’s death to that drug fight. Although Mingo County Prosecutor Michael Sparks said there’s currently “no substantial evidence” the killing is drug related. The accused, Tennis Maynard, remains hospitalized after being shot by a deputy.

Thornsbury said Crum was receiving threats. The judge said the two were talking about them just minutes before his death.

Mingo County Commission President John Mark Hubbard said Crum’s efforts must continue.

“That leadership and that change has taken place and shame on anyone in this room within the sound of my voice who will not make sure that the change that this man laid his life down for does not continue!” Hubbard exclaimed as those in the crowd clapped and stood to their feet.

Rosie Crum was appointed interim sheriff on Thursday and vowed to continue her husband’s efforts.

Thornsbury said he spoke with Eugene Crum every day for years and he talked about his wife, children, grandchildren and flashed his bright smile.

“For the entire time that I have known him I can never remember one ill word, one raised voice or one argument. Never ever. There’s probably no one else I can say that about in my life,” the judge said.

Thornsbury described Crum as “man’s man and a sheriff’s sheriff. I loved him and not ashamed to say it.”

Pastor Paul Caudill urged those in the crowd to look to the Bible for comfort and hope. He said Crum left a legacy all should follow.