Obituary of Eugene Cranford

EUGENE ODELL CRANFORD Born in Bald Knob, Arkansas on December 18, 1921 to Thomas & Zena Cranford. Mr. Cranford succumbed to heart failure on May 2, 2007 in Banning, California. He has made Banning his home since 1946. After graduating High School in Bald Knob, Gene joined the United States Navy. After serving in the Navy he then joined the Army earning the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. Mr. Cranford was a Supervisor for the City of Banning Electric department where, after 31 years of service, he retired in 1982. An active member of the Boy Scouts of America, Mr. Cranford began with the Cub Scouts Pack #84 where he served as Pack Leader. He became a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #103 for many years. He served on the district council for both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. He received many awards including the Silver Beaver Award and the Award of Merit. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors through camping. Preceded in death by his parents Tom & Zena Cranford. First Wife, Mary Stains Cranford; Second Wife, Pearl Cranford; A Sister, Mayme Topping of Oroville, CA; His son, Gene Cranford and his daughter Alice Coppola. Gene is survived by: Step-Daughter Barbara Bobo and her Husband John Bobo of Banning; Grandchildren, Kristen Leske (Michael) of Beaumont, CA; Leigh Noonan (Matthew) of San Marcos, CA; Neil Coppola of Fresno, CA; and Ryan Coopola (Stephanie) of Selma, CA; Nieces, Doris Ludolf of Oroville, CA; Beth Williams of Las Vegas, NV; Nephews, John Hinkle of Palm Springs, CA; Aaron Stannis; Great-Grandchildren, Zachery and Gabriel Leske of Beaumont, CA; Nicholas and Riley Noonan of San, Marcs, CA and Angelina Coppola of Selma, CA; and a Great-Niece, Roberta Gibson and Great-Nephews Doug and Allen Upton of Oroville, CA and numerous Great-Great Nieces and Nephews.