Obituary: John H. Cranor

Former long-time Rangely resident John H. Cranor died peacefully surrounded by family in Columbia, Mo., on Aug. 13, 2012. John was the eldest son of eight children born to Lela McDaniels Cranor and Henry H. Cranor in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Oct. 25, 1920. He was preceded in death by his spouse of 46 years, Pauline Adel Shue Cranor; his grandson Shattuc Cranor; his companion of 18 years, Hazel Hughes; and two sisters, Sarah and Jay.
He is survived by three sons: Steve (Linda) of Napa, Calif., John (Amira) of Charleston, S.C., and Walter (Claudette) of Columbia, Mo.; four grandchildren (Chris, Lawrence, Anna and Sylas); and two great-grandchildren (Kaitlyn and Corrine). He is also survived by two brothers (Jim and Tandy) and three sisters (Ella, Delight and Mary).
As a young boy, John grew up in southern Missouri and Colorado. With his father largely absent, he left high school to help support his mother and seven siblings during the Depression. He and Pauline were married in Denver in 1943 and started their family in Glenwood Springs, Colo. They settled in Rangely, Colo., in 1952 and resided there until he moved to Bullhead City, Ariz., following the death of Pauline in 1989. Throughout his active life John enjoyed travel, visiting friends, playing cards and the great outdoors. Following the passing of his companion Hazel in 2008, he resided with his youngest son, Walter, in Missouri until his passing under hospice care. He retained his keen sense of humor until the very end.
Following his wishes, John was cremated and his ashes comingled with those of Pauline to be scattered in their beloved Colorado at a later date. No memorial services will be held and any contribution in his memory can be made to Hospice Compassus, 3050 I-70 Drive SE, Columbia, MO 65201. Online condolences may be left at www.parkerfuneralservice.com.