Dr. Troy Arnel Crayton

Dr. Troy Arnel Crayton was born on May 9, 1966 to William and Helen Crayton in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the eldest of two children.

Troy was reared in a Christian home. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Troy was an active member of Eastern Star Baptist Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. Troy participated in the Security and Sunday School ministries until his health would no longer allow him to do so.

As an Indianapolis Public Schools student, Troy attended IPS 43 for elementary school and graduated from Broad Ripple High School. While in elementary school, Troy gained a love for the arts. He played the cello for a few years, but later opted for the alto saxophone. He preferred the sound of the saxophone to the cello and it was much easier to carry to and from school! In addition, Troy was an amazing artist. While in high school, he entered several drawing competitions and often placed in high rankings. One particular competition resulted with him winning the honor of having his drawing replicated in the form of a mural painted on the cafeteria wall at Broad Ripple High School.

Not only did Troy have a love for the arts, but he also loved sports! At a young age, he participated in local basketball, baseball, and bowling leagues. Bowling proved to be his sport of choice and Troy was rewarded for his efforts by winning many awards. After league play on Saturdays, Troy enjoyed friendly competitions with his cousins, friends, and sister, BUT, he could not wait to get home for his mother’s Saturday afternoon meals. Whether it was sloppy joes, hamburgers, pigs in a blanket, or even hamburger pie—Troy loved those Saturday feasts!

Upon graduation from high school, Troy first matriculated at Purdue University, and later at Indiana University, where he achieved his ultimate goal of obtaining a Doctoral Degree in Education in October 2019.

On May 3, 2003, Troy was initiated into the Zeta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., along with his line brothers, Wayne Moore, Bryant Scott, Guy Lampkins, and Henry Maye. Given his love for the arts, as an active member of the fraternity, Troy worked numerous years on the Talent Hunt committee. Recognizing the need for the organization to have a sustainable means to provide scholarships, Troy and several members of the Chapter established the Indianapolis Uplift Foundation. The Foundation was created to strengthen underserved communities through financial literacy, economic development, and educational programs. After serving as the first president of the foundation, Troy went on serve as president of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Professionally, Troy worked in the financial and securities industries and was a licensed realtor; however, he found his passion working in the education industry, where he most recently serving as an education consultant.

For fun, Troy enjoyed playing Scrabble and a good game of spades. He also enjoyed relaxing by reading, and listening to music. Troy could often be found with a book and listening to a variety of music, including but not limited to Eric B. & Rakim, Enigma Radio, Richard Wagner, Chopin, 80s Hip Hop, and Eric Benet to name a few.

On June 2, 2006, Troy and Tamiko were united in Holy Matrimony. In this union, many loving and memorable times were shared.

In 2013, Troy began experiencing health challenges to which he would succumb. Tamiko was able to provide the love, care, and attention that assisted in Troy’s comfort. She is thankful to those caring loved ones that encouraged and supported them both during this time.

Troy was preceded in death by his parents and grandmother, Mrs. Annie LaDell Wright.

Dr. Troy Arnel Crayton leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Tamiko T. Crayton; children, Jeremy Coleman and Tyler Crayton, both of Houston, Texas; William Crayton, Indianapolis, Indiana; and Kynedi Grier, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; sister, Cheri (Roy) Harvey, Indianapolis, Indiana; niece, Rylan Harvey, Indianapolis, Indiana; aunts, Diana Wright Burchett, Chicago, Illinois, and Gwendolyn Williams, Indianapolis, Indiana; uncle, Cal Cross, Detroit, Michigan; childhood friends, Trevor Murray, Tony Finnell, and Jeff Scott; and a host of cousins, friends, Links, Connecting Links, and the Brothers of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Memorial service will be at 11am on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. Visitation Prior to service from 10am - 11am.

Participation for visitation and service will be limited due to Covid restrictions, However you can watch the service via livestream at https://www.indianafuneralcare.com/obituaries/Dr-Troy-Arnel-Crayton?obId=19517789#/obituaryInfo