Joe Crandall

Oct 26, 2018 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2018 | 7 comments

On October 24, 2018, we lost a soldier. Joe Crandall passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Joe was preceded in his death by his wife Dottie Crandall who passed away in 1999. Dottie and Joe were married for 51 years. Joe was born in Topeka in 1920 to Frederick and Julia Crandall. Joe led an interesting and diverse life. At age 20 he entered the United States Army for “….one year and got five of someone else’s….”. Joe entered the European theater of war from the beaches of Normandy, where he landed on D-Day, June 6^th, 1944. He was with the 635^th Tank Destroyer Battalion that ultimately joined the Big Red 1 to win Europe. Later Joe earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for valor.

Once stateside, he followed his passion and attended the Kansas City Art Institute and is where he met Dorothy “Dottie” Reiter. Joe led a successful art and advertising firm for over 25 years (Moyer-Crandall Studios) and was the original “Mad Man”. Dottie was an accomplished portrait artists and renowned fashion illustrator.

Together, Joe and Dottie raised six children, two girls and four boys. Upon his death at 98, Joe can boast the health of his six children, his 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Joe was an artist, avid golfer and fisherman. Joe was a gregarious and successful art and advertising executive in the KC area. He was the life of the party when he was there and even when he wasn’t. Joe is now able to enjoy his “Little slice of Heaven”.

On November 8, 2019 between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm, Brighton Gardens (7105 Mission Road, PV Ks) will be having an art exhibit where some of Joe’s art will be shown. A full service and memorial event is planned for May 10, 2019. Please go to www.cathyb6.sg-host.com for additional information. Asssistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.

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Marti Harrison

5 years ago

I am happy to say I knew Joe Crandall. Same with Dottie. I have happy memories of the times I have been with the Crandall family over the past 40 plus years.

Susan Schaefer

5 years ago

So sorry for your loss, Bill. It appears your father had a blessed and VERY FULL life! I hope your grief is overshadowed with celebrating his amazing journey.

Beverly A Simons

5 years ago

Ohh, dear ones. I remember both Joe and Dottie. They were dear friends of David Selders, Sr. and consequently, mine. Now, they can all renew their friendship in that “Little slice of heaven.” So happy all had long lives. David’s son George sent me the obit and remembered a time we all had dinner at the Crandall’s lovely home in KC. It had a gas pump by the door in the garage in the basement. A relic from the 20s and 30s. And their lovely Great Danes. Bless all of you progeny and hope you inherited lots from the great personalities of both of them. Beverly Simons and at one time, Beverly Selders.

George Selders

5 years ago

Joe Crandall was truly one in a million. While I have many fond memories of him from when I was a child, as an adult I remember Joe visiting my dad, David, here in Tucson in 2000. Joe was his charming self as always. Dad, Joe and Bob Daughters had a wonderful reunion evening in Tucson. I know it meant the world to Dad as he was failing and passed the next year. Blessings to each and every member of the Crandall family.

Barbara Scott

5 years ago

A friend who lives in the Johnson County area thoughtfully sent me Joe’s obituary. Dick Scott, my husband, began his career in the art field at Moyer Crandall. We had some wild times in those days with an incredible bunch of artists. Dick died in Chicago in 2003. I relocated to Baltimore in 2006 where our youngest daughter and family live. Joe was truly a legend in his field. He and Dottie were special people in my life.
Barbara Scott

Carol Rodriguez

5 years ago

I didn’t know Joe well, but I know a few of his children, particularly Nancy. Her and her husband Mike’s house is graced with art from both Joe and Dottie. How many people have two parents that were artists? What a blessing to have paintings that were created by the hands and imaginations of ones parents.
My sympathy goes out to those in the family who are grieving.

Mary Warren

7 months ago

Sending our belated sympathy on the loss of your wonderful parents, Dottie and Joe Crandall. They were wonderful people! My parents were great friends with them and my father, Charles Whitney Warren, went to Kansas City Art Institute with them. Your parents had amazing careers in addition to the incredible job of defending our country. Again, we are very sorry fir you loss.
Jamey Warren Raab and Jerry Raab

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