Richard "Dick" Crandall

BROWNSVILLE, Ind. - Richard 'Dick' Crandall, age 66, of Brownsville, died early Wednesday morning, March 2, 2011, at Reid Hospital and Health Care Services. He was born November 15, 1944, in Richmond, Indiana, to Virgil and Dorothy Amelia Hensley Crandall. Richard was a 1966 graduate of American College of Surgeons at General Hospital and was an EMT Instructor/Trainer. He held a 1st and 2nd Class Firefighters License. Richard was a graduate of Indiana College of Mortuary Science, retiring as a funeral director and embalmer in 1987 after 22 - years. Richard was a Special Needs Advocate involved in making the day to day lives of so many disabled children and their families, working hard endless days for many years. He was also an advocate with many of the local schools as well as others in distant areas to assist disabled students receive the rights and services for their needs. He was involved in creating many of the laws governing special education today. Richard was a former member of the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite, Partners in Policy Making, Parents Information Network (PIN), and started the Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana, as well as other numerous advocacy programs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, amateur bird watching and spending time with his family. Richard was always ready with a witty joke or comeback. He was a wonderful father and husband and will be sorely missed. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Linda; children, Rick Crandall at home, and Star (James) Joens of Richmond; grandchild and apple of his eye, Gwendolyn Joens; brother, Robert (Dawn) Crandall of Eaton, Ohio; sister, Norma (Joe) Barth of New Paris, Ohio; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Dorothy Crandall; sister, Melva Meyn; and two brothers, William Crandall and James Crandall. Visitation for Richard 'Dick' Crandall will be from 4-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2011, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Ralph Holdeman officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Richard "Dick" Crandall

November 15, 1944 - March 2, 2011