George Frederick Cramer, 93, of Salina, passed away peacefully at his home on June 22, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.
George was born on May 20, 1930, to Carl and Norah (Duncalf) Cramer in Sale, Greater Manchester, England. He attended Manchester Art School from 1946 until 1948 when he entered the National Service RAF to complete his two-year requirement. He returned to Manchester Regional College of Art in 1950, completing a major scholarship in Illustration, 3D Design, Silversmithing and Industrial Design. He received the City and Guilds final certificate in Silversmithing.
In 1953, he received a travelling scholarship to Denmark with the opportunity to work alongside the team of famed Danish silversmith, Georg Jensen as well as other noted Silversmiths, Potters and Furniture Makers.
After returning to England, he received his Diploma of Associateship from Manchester University as well as his National Diploma in Design-Silversmithing. During this time, he was awarded the Heyward Medal for ‘Outstanding Work in Design.’ He then completed his post graduate course in Teacher Education and received his Arts Teachers’ diploma and certificate with distinction in practical teaching. From 1955 to 1959, he was the head of the Craft Department at Bassingbourn Village College in Cambridgeshire. He began teaching design technology in 1959 at the College of York St. John. He then transitioned into primary education, becoming a senior lecturer.
In 1966, he received his advanced diploma in Primary Education from Leeds University with a thesis in gifted children and their language development.
By 1977, he was a principal lecturer in education as well as senior resident tutor responsible for a residential staff of students and tutors. He retired in 1983 from the college of Ripon and York St. John.
August 10th, 1954, he was united in marriage to Irene Marchant. They made their home in York and had three children: Christopher, Nigel, and Katharine. They later divorced.
In 1984, he married Dr. Phyllis (Keesey) Kearns of Kansas. Together they relocated to Alamosa, Colorado after a few years in England. While there, he served as an adjunct professor for Adams State College as well as consulting for the State of Colorado on early childhood developmental programs in the San Luis Valley. He was involved in the development of the Summer School of the Exceptionally Abled alongside Phyllis until 1999 when they relocated to Salina, Kansas where they would make their permanent home.
Throughout his years, George was commissioned to make various ceremonial pieces for cathedrals across England as well as jewelry worn by Bishops and Reverends around the world. He helped co-direct a teacher exchange program between the College of York St. John and Keene State University in New Hampshire. He served on the board of Ashby House in Salina, Kansas and was a founder of the Salina Montessori School. He also designed and built his own log cabin in the mountains of southern Colorado where he, his family and friends enjoyed many happy vacations.
He was a voracious reader and writer. It was quite common to find him reading and dissecting encyclopedias, textbooks, and religious texts. He could frequently be found surrounded by friends and family holding discussions on philosophy, religion, literature, and many other topics. His discussions on religion specifically led him to begin co-teaching a local Bible study group with a dear friend of his. Even in his final days, he was holding presentations and discussions with those around him. He held a wealth of knowledge and experience that carried him throughout his life. George will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Norah, dear aunts Annie Peacock and Bella Barker, brother Ron Cramer, sons Christopher and Nigel Cramer and Kody Kearns.
Survivors include his beloved wife Phyllis of Salina, daughter Katharine of York, England, daughter Kollene Hudson and husband Mike of Winfield, grandchildren Eric Hall and wife Jenny; Kaitlyn Kearns, Grace Hall, Abigail Kearns and great-grandchildren Austin Hall and Oliver Hall, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel, Salina, KS. Inurnment of his cremains will take place at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be sent to