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Jerry Crandall Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Crandall
Deb DePaso
July 4, 2006
I have a great picture brought back to mind--Jerry at the wheel of our church bus (as usual!) turning around and just giving us that huge, whole-face-lit-up grin of his!
I remember bumping along in the bus as he drove singing at the top of our lungs, "When I get to heaven gonna walk with Jesus!"
And now Jerry, you really do get to walk with Jesus.
And I can imagine that contagious smile of yours is the biggest and brightest ever!
Mike Bergeson
June 24, 2006
Jerry Crandall was a dedicated servant of God. I have been going to Mosaic church since I was a freshman in 2001, and I remember seeing him nearly every Sunday at the info table. When I would ask him how he was doing, some days he would say: "Not well, but I am here by the grace of God." He was an amazing testament to the love and compassion of God. And that is all he needed to keep going in life.
I would often bring up NASCAR, since he was a big fan, and he told me how it was perfect, because he would fall asleep during the race but wake up to see the finish.
Thank you Jerry for all your words of wisdom, even though I am sure it was a struggle to breathe them out at times.
Doug Brandt
June 22, 2006
This past Monday I was driving my car, and the heating/cooling fan quit working. I made a mental note that I would have to call Jerry to resolve the problem. I had actually tried to contact Jerry the week before, but the answering machine was full, and it wouldn’t allow me to leave a message. I then tried to call him the next day, but the phone just rang out. At that point I was sufficiently enough concerned to call Patient Information at Riverside Hospital, but the folks on duty had no record of a Jerry Crandall as a current patient. Yes, I would have to call Jerry, and if I wasn’t able to contact him this time, I would have to drive over to his shop to see if he might be there.
Jerry had been my mechanic for about 15 years, and he had been responsible for helping me attain my last two cars- both of which were Mazda 626’s. Jerry considered Mazdas as his favorite cars, because he felt they were well-designed, and he also found them easier to work on than other brands. More than that, Jerry had become a good friend, and a "trustworthy" one at that. He was a man of honor and he was absolutely incapable of doing anything to a customer or friend that would compromise his integrity.
In what must have been just a few days before he died, Jerry and I got together to look at some Mazdas and Toyotas, for I had recently decided to upgrade from my old 626, and Jerry had expressed some interest in going with me. I remember Jerry identifying brands and years of cars as we drove north on I 71 to head to some dealerships. He really seemed to enjoy himself, in spite of his weakened condition. It is that last memory of Jerry that I’ll keep with me.
On June 20th I found out that Jerry had passed away on June 8th. I wish I could have visited him in the hospital, and I regret that I was not aware that there was a memorial service at Linworth Road Community Church on June 16th. Such is the way of the world at times.
Jerry’s faith carried him through all the difficult moments of his failing health. He rarely complained, choosing to look upward for guidance rather than downward in despair. His faith was true, and it was strong.
As is reflected in his guest book, it is very clear that Jerry affected a great number of people in his life. I will truly miss him, and I am absolutely certain he lives in heaven with all the other good souls who have passed before him.
Oh yes- one more thing: My heating/cooling fan. Within an hour, it started working again, and it hasn’t failed since. Maybe it was a kind message from my trustworthy friend. I’ll keep that memory with me, too.
Rob Lamp
June 21, 2006
I think Jerry worked on my 74 Ford Pinto, exploding gas tank and all. But what I remember the most was his sheepish grin beaming from his grease covered face. I'm sure he is BEAMING all the more NOW!
Matt DeJongh
June 21, 2006
Jerry was our trustworthy mechanic and friend during our years in Columbus. When he went into the hospital for lung problems in 2002, the nurse told me that he would have to live out the rest of his life in assisted care. I wasn't surprised to find out a few months later that Jerry was back in his shop working on cars. He knew his calling in life. He loved his work, and he loved his Lord. He lived well and has left an inspiring example to follow.
Lawrence Boyles
June 20, 2006
Jerry served in many different ways. He repaired cars and buses, organized a mass winterization of cars for church members, drove church buses, and with Rich Hall formed “Grace Moving & Storage” which moved households with his blue stake bed truck. He also served many unbelievers by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with them.
One time our home group leader, John Hopler, gave us an assignment to write a short essay explaining the Great Commission. Later, John told several of us that Jerry’s essay was one of the best, or the best, essay from our home group.
I enjoyed listening to Jerry’s stories. Some of the stories I remember him telling were;
A previous car he had which was nicknamed, “redfender”.
How he moved from Cleveland to Columbus with 50 sport shirts spread out in the back seat of his car.
The time a small neighborhood boy rode his bicycle into the middle of Jerry’s shop and loudly proclaimed, “My name is Charger, and I’m charging you a nickel.”
How he got out of bed one morning and walked into his living room half asleep only to find the tailgate and rear window of a station wagon on the floor in front of his sofa.
How hauling trash with his truck was a much better way to make a living than being a mechanic. “What is the worst thing that can go wrong in the trash moving business? (I had no idea; I had never thought about it, I was speechless.) Why the worst mistake you can make is moving the wrong person’s trash, getting the street address wrong. And if you make that mistake no one cares, no one gets upset about it. It’s a great business.” Jerry was quite the entrepreneur.
Krista Bryden
June 20, 2006
Thank you, Jerry, for how you blessed our family.You are part of the memory of many celebrations together.
Kirk Patton
June 20, 2006
Jerry blessed me by taking the time to let me hang out with him when I was a young man and a very young Christian. He would show me by his example what it meant to serve cheerfully. He took the time to show how to do things right and take pride in the job we were doing. All the while he would joke or impart little bits of wisdom.
Joel Juday
June 19, 2006
My fondest memories of Jerry are of watching him worship. To see him raising his hands and praising God for His goodness while he was too weak to stand will forever be in my mind and continually humbles me. He truly was a man after God's own heart.
Ramzi Nahhas
June 18, 2006
I was very sad to hear the news of Jerry's passing away... then very happy at the thought of his new body! Today I looked at this guest book and I feel very inspired to imitate Jerry's servant heart and great attitude. Jerry has influenced many lives all over the world. He loved God and loved people... the two greatest commandments. Thank you for following our Lord faithfully, Jerry!
Darryl Phillips
June 18, 2006
I was extremely blessed to get to know Jerry over the past few years. He ministered to me and our entire church (Mosaic) in a profoundly powerful way. I was especially affected by how his heart for God and others grew larger as his suffering increased. The verse that comes to mind when I think of Jerry is 2Timothy 4:7, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."
chris caylor
June 17, 2006
Jerry; god speed on your passage. at the church here in columbus, being so young, through talking to him he always made me feel so welcome. it was truely a blessing to be able to know him.
Mary Ann (Wickson) Marino
June 17, 2006
Jerry was truly God's servant, with no expectation in return. He loved to laugh and joke, but he was also serious at times. Like many others, he also fixed several of my cars. I rode the church (school) bus with Jerry at the helm to many out of town conferences. He not only drove the bus, but he also maintained and repaired it. The verse I remember from Jerry is Phil. 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.
Jim Crandall
June 17, 2006
Myself and the rest of the family wish to thank everyone for their notes and prayers. Jerry will be missed and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Even though he was the ornery one of us six kids he was still loved him as a brother..
Aziz & Heather Nahhas
June 17, 2006
We will miss Jerry. He was always focused on the Lord, and the things of heaven, and Jesus used him to boldly challenge us and gently comfort us through these last five years. As a young pastor, I will miss his frequent words of encouragement and insight. We will miss his perspective of faith in the midst of suffering, his sharp sense of humor, his faithfulness to our church and the Lord despite great pain, and his example of a real relationship with Jesus lived openly and honestly and passionately. I look forward to visiting you in your new shop, Jerry!
Jeanie Snedeker
June 15, 2006
Back in our early days of marriage when funds were limited, Jerry was generous w/his wisdom, time & skills. He was certainly the ultimate example in servanthood. The hope of heaven was lived out in his life. Now in the presence of the Lord he is being eternally rewarded for all he gave. We look forward to seeing his choice of transportation. We pray for the comfort of all who will miss him deeply.
Mark Finch
June 14, 2006
I will always remember Jerry for making me laugh while we lived together at the "South House". He gave of himself and was always helping others. He worked on my Firebird car for me and had it running like a "hotrod". I will always remember the zeal Jerry had for the Lord and witnessing to others about the love of God!. He will be truely missed. I have fond memories of our time together. I want to give you my condolances and you are in my prayers! God Bless! Mark Finch
Jack Stockdale
June 14, 2006
Jerry was one of the many who influenced Joan and me early in our Christian lives to live a life of service to God. We thank God for Jerry's example of dedication, hard work, and responsibility -- all in a spirit of joy.
Doug and Judi Major
June 13, 2006
Jerry has been a faithful friend and brother in Christ to so many over the years. We remember when the church in Columbus was very young and we were in the same fellowship group together. He used his skills sacrificially to serve the body of Christ and we were some of those he served. Though we live so far away now, just thinking about all the people that needed to be contacted was overwhelming. His life touched so many...and so many thoughts have turned toward Heaven this week in a more thoughtful way...Hallelujah!
Karen (Radtke) Hoyt
June 13, 2006
Jerry was a special man and a real servant of God and of others. Whenever anyone had a need, Jerry was always willing to help meet it. He was a real encouragement to others. I will always remember his infectious laugh, his smile and his wonderful sense of humor. He was a real character. I am glad his earthly battle is over, and he is "at home with the Lord" now. We look forward to seeing you again, Jerry!
Cheryl Hayes
June 12, 2006
Our family was enriched by Jerry’s friendship for 30 years. I’ll miss his laugh, encouragement, helpfulness and prayers for our family. The joy of the Lord was his strength. Over the years his illness became an avenue for him to rejoice in hope. “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
Jerry was like family to us. We’ll miss him.
John Hopler
June 12, 2006
Jerry Crandall was a man who truly served others our of a love for Jesus Christ. When people had needs, Jerry was always there to help. Only God knows the many, many lives that were touched by this precious man of God. We all look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
Lawrence Hall
June 12, 2006
Thank you jerry for the time together,and for the best car in the World .Rest in peace youngman
Lynda McClanahan
June 12, 2006
I have fond memories of Jerry in the 1970's, when he lived with Len Gibler. My condolences and God speed your passage, Jerry!
Lynda McClanahan
Dur and Mary Foulis
June 12, 2006
Jerry was the one who worked on our vehicles for many years and we always knew him as one who loved the Lord and was very thankful for his salvation. He was dependable and honest. We will miss him.
Will & Pattie Hayes
June 12, 2006
We want to express our sympathy and say we're glad to have known Jerry through his friendship with our son, Don and family. We enjoyed many Holiday meals together. His love for the Lord, his humor and candor all enriched our lives. "To be absent from the body, is to be present with The Lord." and "Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His Saints."
Somday we'll see you again in heaven!
Kathy Bryden
June 12, 2006
I'll miss Jerry at our Thanksgiving dinners. I loved his laugh. It was infectious. I'm glad we'll see him again in heaven.
Don Hayes
June 12, 2006
Jerry continued his life of service by donating his body to OSU for medical research.
Jerry was a rare individual who lived with the joy of the Lord, knowing his sins were forgiven. He experienced the saving grace of God and loved God according to the truth that "he loves much who has been forgiven much." We'll miss him.
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