Theodore Leon Crandall

Theodore “Ted” Leon Crandall passed away unexpectedly in his home on May 30,2023 at the age of 74. He joins his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Crandall. Also reuniting with his parents Leon and Betty, siblings Tom Crandall and Sherry Bender and Son Keith Mathis.

He is survived by his siblings Tim and Linda Crandall, his children Andrew Crandall, Shawn & Edward McDyer.

Ted served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970 as an Armor Recon Specialist with the Blackhawks.  His service included one year in Vietnam earning him a Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal and two overseas service bars.  Ted was very proud of his service and often shared stories of Vietnam with family and friends.

Growing up in Traverse City, he was exposed to the culinary arts by working in Michelin star rated restaurants. He often shared those skills with friends and family.  Shawn and Andrews’ school friends visiting for dinner rarely got a simple hot dog off the grill. Shish-kabobs, Lobster, Ribs, fondue and prime ribs just to name a few. He loved to try new things and encouraged his children to do the same. He brought them frog legs—claiming “tastes like chicken just try it” and then once they said they liked it asked them If they ever wondered why they never saw Kermit “hop” on the Muppet Show.

His sense of humor, to those who didn’t know him- could be alarming to some. There was an unspoken rule for bantering between him and his friends. Unsuspecting passers-by may have thought a fight was about to ensue.  His friends were family to him, and he found opportunities to keep them close. There were football parties, race and pool parties, epic golf outings and even a foot race down main street Sunfield.

He coached little league and football. He loved being involved with their growth as teammates and knowing great sportsmanship.  He took some very professional action shots of the kids during the year and presented the kids with huge posters of themselves in action.

Alzheimer’s came to challenge “Ginny” and he courageously fought to keep her safe, loved and cared for. He liked to read a lot-so he educated himself to her care when doctors were no longer helpful. He always was her hero.

The family intends to have a memorial service to be announced at a later date.

You can donate to:  Lyons VFW, Wounded Warriors or Disabled American Veterans.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theodore Leon Crandall, please visit our floral store.