Gene Crayton, Former Paralyzed Veterans of America President, Navy Veteran
1947 – 2024
Gene Crayton, who made history as the first African-American President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and served his nation with distinction during the Vietnam War, passed away on October 20, 2024.
A dedicated serviceman, Crayton enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1965 while still in high school. After graduation, he entered active duty and trained as a Navy corpsman, serving with valor alongside the 26th Marines in Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive. His unit’s exemplary service earned them the Presidential Unit Citation.
After his active duty service, Crayton returned to St. Louis and joined the local Marine Corps Reserve Unit. His life took a dramatic turn on April 6, 1969, when an automobile accident left him paralyzed. He received an honorable discharge from the Navy in November 1970, but his commitment to serving others never wavered.
In 1983, Crayton joined the Paralyzed Veterans of America, where he would leave an indelible mark over the next four decades. He served the PVA Gateway Chapter in various capacities including secretary, president, and national director. His leadership abilities and dedication led to his historic election as PVA National President in 2009, serving through 2010. Over his 14 years on the Executive Committee, he held numerous positions including senior vice president and vice president.
Throughout his life, Crayton was a tireless advocate for the disabled community, focusing particularly on improving housing and transportation accessibility in his local community. His commitment to serving others extended beyond PVA, as he participated in numerous community and national committees dedicated to enhancing the lives of those living with disabilities.
Until his passing, Crayton remained active as a Past National President, continuing to provide valuable guidance on critical issues facing the organization. Those who knew him remember him as not only a principled leader but also a dear friend whose wisdom and compassion touched countless lives.
Gene Crayton’s legacy lives on through the many lives he improved and the barriers he broke down, both for disabled veterans and the African-American community.
Services will be held at Serenity Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, 1905 Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63113. Visitation will be Friday, November 8th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed immediately by funeral services at 10:00 AM.
