Michael Wayne Croom

Michael Wayne Croom, 64, of Russellville, died Monday, July 9, 2012, at the Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, Iowa. He was born September 13, 1947, at Little Rock, to O.G. and Betty Jo Kimes Croom. He married Kandis Smith of Davenport on June 1, 1968. Mike served as a band director in Arkansas schools for 43 years. A graduate of Arkansas Tech University in 1969 (a student of Gene Witherspoon), and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Arkansas (a student of Eldon Janzen), he started his music teaching career in North Little Rock with J. Raymond Brandon. Mike started the band program at Lakewood Junior High. He also started the marching band program at Northeast High School, when he moved to direct the Northeast High School Band. Mike received many awards, recognitions and superior ratings throughout his career, but one award he was most proud of was the Arkansas Omicrom Chapter of Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, awarded by his peers. He taught in North Little Rock Schools, Northside High School, Fort Smith Schools, Russellville Schools, many area schools and served as an adjunct for Arkansas Tech University during his career. Mike wrote articles, presented workshops and visited any director who asked. Helping young directors was his passion. He also loved to work with small groups and individual clarinet students. Mike touched many lives. He cared about kids. He cared about advancing the love of music. He cared about the profession. He was a giant in the Arkansas band world and will be missed by so many. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jason M. Croom, and a brother, Patrick Croom. Survivors include his wife, Kandis Croom; a son, Joseph Croom of Russellville; two granddaughters, Zoe, age 8, and Bentleigh, at 6, of Little Rock; and his parents-in-law, Marvin L. and Dawn Smith of Davenport. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, at the Shinn Chapel, officiated by Dr. Tim Carter and Mr. Mark Gotcher. Private burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock, by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, from 5 to 6 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Northside High School Band Parents Association, 2301 North B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.