Walter James Crandell

Walter James Crandell Augusta Walter James Crandell, 82, of Augusta, died peacefully at his son's home in Middleville on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. Walter was born January 2, 1927 in Austin Twp., Michigan. He was raised by his grandparents, Archie and Matilda Crandell in the Stanwood area and moving to the Augusta area in 1966. Walter worked for 34 years as a pattern and tool and die maker at General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Grand Rapids 1951-1966, then in the Kalamazoo plant from 1966, retiring in 1984. He served with the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre during WWII. Walter was united in marriage to Eleanor June Utter in Cash, MI on June 21, 1947. He was preceded in death by Eleanor, his wife of 52 years, on February 27, 1999. Surviving are a daughter, Beverly Kay (William R.) Oleneack of Augusta; five sons, Edward F. (Christine) Crandell and Timothy W. Crandell, both of Middleville, David C. Crandell and Charles L. Crandell, both of Augusta, and Ronald J. Crandell of Kalamazoo; two grandchildren, James E. Crandell and Cara J. Crandell; a uncle, Leo Crandell of Tennessee; and a half-brother, Richard (Shirley) Tindall of Muskegon. Walter was a member of Andrus Street Church of God and U.A.W. Local #488. He enjoyed traveling in his R.V., wintering in Brooksville, FL, deer hunting and fishing. At the request of the family, friends may call after 5 p.m. Thursday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Augusta Chapel where they will be receiving friends from 5-7 p.m Thursday and Friday. Services to celebrate Walter's life will be held 10:30 Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Andrus Street Church of God, 765 Andrus Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Interment will be at Higbee Cemetery in Mecosta County, 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 19, 2009. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Andrus Street Church of God. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com