BROOKFIELD, WIS. — Lessiter Media is mourning the loss of one of its most valuable contributing editors, Dan Crummett, who passed away unexpectedly this week at his home in Coyle, Okla. He was 78.
No-Till Farmer Editor Frank Lessiter said Dan made major contributions the magazine’s content for many years, first as a freelance writer before taking an expanded role at Lessiter Media in 2023 as a contributing editor.
Just recently, Crummett won regional and national honors from the American Society of Business Publication Editors for an article on how soil testing is evolving into ‘predictive agronomy.’
“Many times he told me and others that working with Lessiter Media was one of the most enjoyable parts of his long-term ag writing career,” Lessiter said.
Dan also contributed content for No-Till Farmer, Strip-Till Farmer, Cover Crop Strategies, Farm Equipment, Farm Innovations and Precision Farming Dealer. In recent years, he’s also contributed as technical editor for Ag Equipment Intelligence’s custom research offering.
His expanded role included his reoccurring “Ahead of the Curve” columns as well as additional in-depth interviewing, writing and podcast work.
Senior Editor John Dobberstein worked with Crummett on No-Till Farmer editorial for many years and said his veteran presence and leadership will be missed. “Dan was an outstanding ag journalist who was dedicated to his farmer readers and his colleagues.
“He mentored the younger ag editors here at Lessiter Media and was a pleasure to work with day in and day out. I will miss the earnest way he went about his writing, his friendship and his hearty laugh. We truly considered Dan to be a friend of this company and he will be sorely missed.”
Dan Michael Crummett was born in Ponca City, Okla., on April 18, 1948, to Ruby and Austin Crummett. Growing up, he attended Garfield Elementary School and East Junior High and was a 1966 graduate from Ponca City High School.
His junior year, he met his wife, Jerrie Sue McClaflin. Following college at Oklahoma State Univ. they were married in 1970, remaining in a lifelong marriage for 56 years.
The same year, Dan served the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1971-1972, achieving the rank of SP4 with the 445th Aviation Assault Helicopter Company. As part of a Presidential Early-Out Program, Dan was able to serve his remaining 2 years stateside in the National Guard.
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