Dr. David W. Crandall

XENIA — Dr. David W. Crandall, age 71, of Xenia passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 14, 2024 while visiting his Michigan home in Roscommon, Michigan. David was born October 26, 1952 in Huntington, West Virginia to William Wesley and Joan (Iseley) Crandall. He graduated from Xenia High School, Class of 1971. Shortly after beginning his education at Wright State University, David was drafted. He then enlisted into the US Air Force in 1972 and spent 4 years serving his country in the Strategic Air Command based in San Antonio, Denver, and eventually at Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, Michigan. While in the military, David continued his education and upon honorable discharge from the USAF was able to complete his undergraduate degree in Microbiology at The Ohio State University in 1979. After obtaining his Undergraduate degree, he was accepted and graduated from the OSU College of Dentistry in 1983. While at OSU David was proud to have been selected with his close classmate and friend, Dr. Bruce Fraser, to serve as the student athletic dentists for two years. During those two years he was given the opportunity to meet and work alongside Woody Hayes and the athletic Buckeye teams. He was also a member and President of the Xi Xsi Phi Dental Fraternity. He moved back to Xenia and eventually with his friend and Xenia attorney Peter Stephen, purchased the building where they shared their businesses. Over Dr. Crandall's 40 plus years of practice, he also provided dental care during mission trips to Belize, and worked with local organizations to provide necessary dental work. Dentistry was his profession, but creating smiles was his passion. He always said he had good help, and that he couldn't do it by himself. Not only did David take care of his community through his profession, in 1989 he donated a kidney to his mother, Joan, in a groundbreaking procedure for that time giving her the gift of life for an additional 20 years. As part of the 5th generation on his wife's family farm, he assisted in many tasks maintaining restoration of Collins School, the historical one room school house on West Enon Road. He was a former President of the Xenia Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow, where he enjoyed giving back to his community. He was a member of the Faith Community United Methodist Church, Ducks Unlimited, Xenia Chamber of Commerce, the Dayton Dental Society, and supported many other projects. David loved being outdoors whether it be working on the farm, hunting, motorcycling, snowmobiling, or traveling to his next adventure. He enjoyed sharing the stories of his adventures with his staff, patients, friends, and any new friend he easily made. He was an extremely gifted dentist with many other talents he shared or gave to others. David could always be counted on to assist with any need and was all around handy. With his outgoing personality and wonderful sense of humor, he laughed loudest when he was able to pull off a ridiculous prank on one of his many friends, and there were plenty of stories about his fun. He was blessed to have been able to spend the last few weeks and the holidays in Virginia and Texas with his children and grandchildren and visit his Michigan home one last time before his unexpected passing. David was preceded in death by his parents, William W. and Joan Crandall, and his brother-in-law: David Brantley. David leaves behind his most prized possessions, his family; wife: Elizabeth L. Brantley "Betsy" Crandall, whom he married May 1, 1976; children: Lauren (Ian) Brill of Warrenton, VA; Brant (Natalie) Crandall of Rockwall, TX and Hayley Crandall of Kettering; grandchildren: Scarlett Brill, Jacob, Mila, Jett Crandall, and he was anxiously awaiting the birth of his 5th grandchild. He is also survived by his sister: Jan Crandall of Cincinnati; sisters-in-law: Janine (Brian) Montgomery, of Xenia; and Ruby Brantley of Leesburg, VA; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was blessed to have many friends, including his –"breakfast club", his riding and hunting buddies, and professional comrades. A celebration of his life will be held 1 PM Saturday, January 20th at Xenia United Presbyterian Church, 343 W. Ankeney Mill Road, Xenia with Rev. Mike Wakeland officiating. Visitation will be held 11 AM Saturday until the time of service at the church. He will be buried with military honors at Woodland Cemetery, Xenia, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in honor of this much loved man, donations be made to a favorite charity, provide an act of kindness to someone in need, or share some smiles and laughter, or even a prank with a friend. McColaugh Massie Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.