E. L. Crayton and Margaret B. Crayton Memorial Scholarship

The E.L. Crayton and Margaret B. Crayton Memorial Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a student pursuing a degree in elementary education. This scholarship is made possible by way of a generous gift from the estate of Elvie L. Crayton, ’39, and Margaret B. Crayton, ’49.

Ted earned a bachelor’s degree in 1939 and became an industrial arts teacher and coach, later receiving a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri and serving as a school principal. Margaret, a native of Warrensburg, graduated from UCM with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1949. Together they worked in a variety of Missouri school districts, including Strasburg, Rushville, Drexel, Wendyville, Buffalo and Pleasant Hill. They also maintained a family farm in southern Johnson County, Missouri returning to the area during the summers to manage the farm while continuing their careers as educators.

The couple retired from the Kansas City, Missouri School District in the early 1970’s and made Warrensburg their home, becoming involved in the community. Following Ted’s death in 1984, Margaret continued to remain active in the First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Democratic Club, the Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary, the Lady Elks and the Johnson County Retired Teachers Association. For many years, she served as a Welcome Wagon hostess for Warrensburg. Margaret passed away April, 2007 at the age of 93.