Max LaVere Crandall, 98, of Coldwater
passed away on Sunday January 20, 2019.
He was born on November 6, 1920 in
Fremont, IN to the late Robert and Izora Bressler Crandall. After graduating
from Fremont High School, Max was drafted into World War II by the US Army and
spent three years with the 35
th
Division (127
th
Field
Artillery Battalion) in the European
Theater of operations.
Throughout his time in the war, Max fought in the Battle
of Saint-Lo, D-Day in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. The 35
th
Division was one of the most traveled divisions in Europe, was attached to the
“big guns” and tasked with shooting down enemy planes. As a result,
Max’s hearing was compromised for his lifetime.
After returning from the war, Max
married Winifred Endicott on April 26, 1946 in Angola. Two sons, Timothy and
Stephen, followed. Throughout their childhood, Max was involved in their Boy
Scouts and other extracurricular activities. During his work career, he was
employed by Anderson Dairy, Olmstead Dairy and Pepsi Cola as a route driver and
distributor.
Max was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed golf, bowling,
traveling throughout the US and Europe and attending Tibbits Summer Theatre. He
was also a loyal MSU Spartan Fan.
Max became passionate about the issues of
global warming. Computer literate well into his 90’s, he spent significant time
writing to local, state and national politicians (even then President Obama)
with his thoughts and possible solutions regarding this crisis. Beyond this, in
his later years, Max spent his time whistling, singing, telling his stories and
greeting everyone he saw with a smile. He never met a stranger. His favorite
part of the day was breakfast at Bob Evans.
Max was preceded in death by his wife
of 67 years, Winifred Endicott Crandall; three brothers, Roy, Dale, Kenneth and
two sisters, Mary Grace Tooman and Roberta Baker. He is survived by his
children, Tim (Lynda) Crandall and Steve (Debra) Crandall; two grandchildren,
Jilayne (Rob) Phillips and Jeffry (Heather) Crandall and four great-grandchildren,
Madison, Jocelyn, Cole and Kelsey.
Friends and family are invited to
gather on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Dutcher Funeral Home, 440 West Chicago
Street, in Coldwater. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 and the funeral will
begin immediately after.
The Crandall Family would like to thank Dr. Charles
Whitaker, the staff at Masonville Place and Max’s nephew, Gary Tooman, for the
exceptional care and compassion extended to him during his final days.
Memorial
donations can be made to Tibbits Opera Foundation in his name.
