Elton Ward Crandall

At 97 years young, Elton lived a long life. He passed away peacefully with his wife of 70+ years and his daughter Meg by his side, Feb 25 at Bay Pines VA hospital after a very brief illness.

Elton was born June 9, 1921 and raised in Auburn NY, living in that vicinity until moving to Binghamton NY, working at the Binghamton Savings Bank where he retired in 1983.

Elton was widely known in musical circles in Auburn. He was a long time active member at 2nd Baptist Church. Possessing a fine baritone voice and proficient on several musical instruments, he was often a soloist and also served as choir director there for many years. Elton also sang with the Auburn Vochestra Group which traveled statewide during the 1950’s. Since retirement Elton sang in the choir at Northside Baptist and other mixed singing groups.

Elton enlisted in the Army December ‘42 and served with the 35th Evacuation Hospital in WWII following Patton’s 3rd army. Corporal Crandall wrote a letter home saying “I am glad of this opportunity to serve country and God in the capacity of chaplains’s assistant. Since D-17 our units have been supporting the armies of the United States, and the longer we are at it, the prouder we become of our men.” Last year he was awarded a 70 year membership certificate with the American Legion Post #104, Pinellas Park.

He was an avid bowler into his 95th year, maintaining a respectable average, although legally blind.

His summer-times were spent at Christie Lake, Ontario Canada, where his mother was born. He was a boating enthusiast, often challenging people to boat races. After his marriage to Betty, they built their cottage “Suits Us” where they spent many years of vacations and snow-birding from Florida after retirement. After a devastating fire in 1989 which claimed the family cottage, they rebuilt “Suits Us II”.

Elton was preceded in death by his oldest daughter Rebecca A. Smith in 2014.

Elton leaves behind his wife Betty (Elizabeth), daughters Pam (Ray) Kettle, and Meg (Seward) Ford. He is also survived by his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Bumpa”. Aaron (Beth) Smith, Jacob (Cherrelle) Smith, Michael Bell, Amanda Bell, Rachael Kettle, Rebecca (Bryan) Fountain, Heather (Jeff) Walsh, Beth (Brian) Abbot. He also leaves behind 16 great grandchildren, with another coming soon.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday March 2 at 11 am at Northside Baptist Church 6000 38th Avenue N, St. Petersburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior, between 10 am – 11 am.

Interment will be at Bay Pines National Cemetery with full military honors.

The family plans a Celebration of Life Service later in the summer in Auburn NY. Details will be made available at that time.

Memorial Donations may be made in Elton’s name to The American Cancer Society or Northside Baptist Church.

View guest book at www.NeptuneSociety.com