Alan Walter Aram

Born on August 16, 1952 in Chicago, IL to Nathan W. and Shirley (Dellinger) Aram, Alan married Roberta Johns on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1975 on the Johns family farm outside Delavan, IL. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 45 years.

Also surviving are his children, Rachel (Filip Elez) Aram of Half Moon Bay, CA, Jessica (Stephen) Crutchfield of Los Osos, CA, and Jonathan (Fernande) Aram of Laurel, MD; and 4 grandchildren, Thomas and Alice Blyth, Theodore and Clara Crutchfield. Three brothers, Bob, Steve and Rich Aram and his father- and mother-in-law Thomas and Alice Johns also survive.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law and grandparents.

Alan grew up in Barrington, IL and in 1970, graduated from Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, IL. He earned a BA in psychology from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, in 1974 and Psy.D. in psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, LaMirada, CA in 1988. He worked as a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Springfield, MO for over 25 years. Prior to that he was an elementary school counselor in Gillette, WY for 7 years. Alan was a caring professional who especially helped hurting missionaries and pastors and their families address life’s challenges.

Alan was an outdoorsman and adventurer who enjoyed “muscle powered” sports. He was a rock climber and amateur mountaineer in his younger years, and an avid wilderness backpacker, hiker, canoeist, and camper. He introduced many family members, including his mother- and father-in-law, to canoeing in Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. He scuba dived, bicycled, cross country skied, snorkeled, kayaked, and swam. He climbed the Grand Teton with Roberta while in his 40s, canoed in Quetico throughout his 50s, and hiked Longs Peak in CO with Jessica and Stephen in his 60s. He canoed the Buffalo and Current Rivers in the AR and MO Ozarks many times with his family.

Alan was a devoted father. He had a great respect for the role of parenting and treasured being a father himself. He told his children he loved them, but more so he showed them. He put in the hard work of parenting – helping with homework, driving, and doing things on the level of his children. He gave his children his time and put them first. He called each of his three children “his best”, and he meant it.

Alan had a quiet faith and deep roots in Evangel Temple Christian Center in Springfield, MO where, over 30 years, he taught adult Sunday School, discipled 1st grade boys in Royal Rangers, rocked babies in the nursery and built many enduring friendships.

Alan was beloved by his family, church, clients, and friends. He was exuberant and silly, efficient and frugal, stubborn and self-disciplined, a gentle defender of the defenseless. He will be greatly missed.

A private Zoom remembrance event was held Sunday, February 28, 2021. Cremation rites will be accorded and burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery, Delavan, IL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Alan’s family requests memorial donations be directed to HoneyRock

Outdoor Center for the purchase of a Stone of Remembrance. Please contact Kathy at [email protected].

Los Osos Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.