Obituary: Earl “Cotton” Ray Crandell

Cotton was born June 8, 1939, to Ellis “Firp” Crandell and Jessie (Lane) Crandell in Grand Junction, Colo. Cotton went to be with his Lord and Savior Nov. 18, 2012, at the Hospice of the Grand Valley in Grand Junction, Colo. Cotton enjoyed his childhood in Debeque, Colo., with his brothers Maynard and Bill, and his sister Darlene.
He was graduated from Debeque High School in 1957. He served time in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea. Cotton spent the next 40 years working in the oil and gas industry in Piceance Creek, Durango and Rangely. When he retired he moved back to his beloved hometown of Debeque where he had many fond memories and friends. Cotton came out of retirement to become the best cart wrangler/greeter at the Debeque Gas and Grocery. Cotton enjoyed golfing with his buddies, hunting with his family and watching his Denver Broncos every Sunday.
Cotton could always make everyone laugh and smile with his sense of humor and jokes.
Cotton is survived by his two brothers, Maynard Crandell of Grand Junction, Bill (Louise) Crandell of Rifle, and his sister Darlene Taylor of Moab. He is also survived by his three sons, Ed (Lois) Crandell of Grand Junction, Jeff (Jennifer) Crandell of Grand Junction, and Rich (Chantal) Crandell of Rangely. He is also survived by his grandchildren Cody Crandell of Grand Junction, Carrie Smith of Grand Junction, Wendy Tait of Glade Park, Chavon Hoisington of Sacramento, Calif., and Makayla Darnell of Rangely. Cotton also had seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Cotton was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. A viewing will be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary on Nov. 23 from 2-4 p.m. Services will be at the Debeque School on Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. followed by a graveside service. Reception to follow at the Debeque Community Center for all family and friends.