Joseph Crandell

Born August 16, 1930 in Peoria to William W. and Elsie M.(Day) Crandell. He married Barbara A. Larimore July 7, 1950 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Linda (James) Curto of Pekin, Constance Loncke of Groveland and Nancy (Jeff) LaGrow of Morton; one son Joseph L. (Debi) Crandell of East Peoria; 11 grandchildren, Joann Moss, Julie Maag, Christopher Curto, Jennifer Barker, Jessica Campbell, Joshua Crandell, Cyndi Young, Alec Marvin, Brady Marvin, Amanda LaGrow, Sarah Gaunt and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Thomas, Leonard, Ralph, Lloyd and Floyd; one sister, Elsie Hodel and one son-in-law, Peter Loncke.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the foundation of his family and was the happiest when in their presence. They spent 50 years camping and traveling together. Their travels took them to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada and Europe. He also enjoyed antique cars and restored his own collection.

Joseph was a true patriot who respected his country and the flag, which three of his brothers fought for and two died for in WWII. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in peace time from 1947-1950.

In 2001 he was able to fulfill his lifelong wish to locate and stand at the exact spots in Germany where his two brothers Leonard and Ralph had been killed in action eight days apart during WWII. He always carried a piece of Leonard’s B24 shattered windshield in his pocket. He had the good fortune to be included in the Peoria Area Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2015.

He worked at George O. Pasquel Co. fulltime and then later worked part time totaling 28 years from 1946-1974. He was also employed full time for 38 years at Caterpillar Inc. from 1951-1989. He retired in May 1989 as a quality specialist in building KK in East Peoria.

He was a member of the Local UAW 974, Model A Ford Club of America, Former member of the Four-ever-Fours Model A Club, Associate Member of 44th Bomb Group Veterans Association, Associate Member of the 778th Tank Battalion Veterans Association.

His private graveside service with full military honors will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com