A. Clarence Crandell

Clarence Crandell has a joke for you:  "Do you know what the definition of irony is?  A funeral director trying to look sad at a $20,000 funeral."Albert Clarence Crandell lived his life to the fullest, enjoying each moment and helping those around him to do the same.  Those who knew him will remember his jokes, stories and keen mind that he never lost.  His friendly smile greeted everyone, there were no strangers.  You might even recognize him better as Windy or Smokey.Clarence was born on September 24, 1924, in Heber, Arizona to Harold Jeremiah and Margaret "Lovine" Porter Crandell.  Clarence peacefully slipped into eternity on January 5, 2018, only steps away from the place he entered this world.  His circle may seem small but his influence was broad.He was preceded in death by his siblings:  Jay, Twilla Hancock, Duane, and Doreen Williams; his son-in-law, Garth Brown and granddaughter, Alissa Brown.Clarence served a 3 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to New Zealand from 1946 to 1949, where he gained a love for the Maori people and a stronger love for the gospel.  As a missionary, his opportunities were unique including receiving permission to proselyte on a motorcycle (which he lovingly named "puddle jumper") and also coaching softball.  His faithful devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ was the framework of his life. At age 18, he drove the high school bus from Heber to Snowflake.  He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, archery and all sports.  Clarence remained single until he was 32 years old but the moment he met 15 yr. old Carolyn Marie Townsend he knew she was the girl for him.  They were sealed for time and all eternity on January 23, 1958 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.  Their love invited four children into their Heber home:  Carolyn "Suzie" Brown, Daren, Penny Law and Danny.  These four brought the couple 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren who all called him "Pops".  His family was the center of his world.  Regularly and openly he expressed his love to each member.  Together, with their family, Clarence and Carolyn recently celebrated 60 years of happy marriage.Clarence worked alongside his father in the log woods, later with pulp wood for many years and then for the state of Arizona.  He retired from ADOT, until Danny convinced him to come to work for him.  With his son, he spent another 18 years working in the woods; finally, retiring at age 80.  Playing ball was his favorite pastime and he took competition very seriously.  He continued to play competitive softball into his 50's as well as umpire.  He followed football faithfully at all levels; local high school, college and professional teams.  A celebration of his life will begin 11:00 A.M., at the Heber Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Highway 260, Saturday, January 13, 2018, where the viewing will begin at 10:00 A.M.  His body will be laid to rest in the Heber Cemetery where his reuqest is for the headstone to read: "Here lies a joke.  Cause of death:  eating leftovers."