Richard A. Crandell, age 78 of Fremont, passed away Friday, February 9, 2018, in Grand Rapids following his battle with Alzheimer's Dementia. Richard was born on May 26, 1939 in Fremont to Jack A. and Marguerite (Long) Crandell and graduated from Fremont High School in 1957. Richard later attended Albion College and then graduated from Wayne State University with a Mortuary Science Certificate. Richard received his Funeral Director's License in 1961 and has served the West Michigan area for the past 57 years. Richard returned to the area where he joined his father Jack in the family funeral and furniture businesses which started in 1902 and continues today. He eventually became the President of Crandell Funeral Homes, Inc. in Fremont and White Cloud. Richard married Phyllis Joan Witte on May 18, 1962, and soon after moved to White Cloud where they managed the Crandell Funeral Home in White Cloud. Richard owned and operated the Crandell Furniture Store in Fremont until the store was closed in 1997. He continued to operate Crandell Funeral Homes in White Cloud and Fremont and until his retirement in 2010. Richard had been active in various civic organizations in the Fremont and White Cloud including the White Cloud Rotary, Michigan Masonic Lodge, member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Grand Rapids, life member of the Saladin Shrine of Grand Rapids. Richard was a member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association and had been honored with being a "50 Year Member" in 2011. He had served on the White Cloud and Fremont Fire Departments for several years, and enjoyed raising, riding and showing Appaloosa horses for many years. Richard was a member of the Fremont United Methodist Church and always had a heart for serving others in all that he did. Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis of Fremont; his children and grandchildren, Scott (Elizabeth) Crandell of Fremont and their children, Olivia Crandell and Zachary Crandell; Curt (Sandra) Crandell of Fremont and their children, Rachele (Eddie) Sherman, Jordan Crandell, Calvin Crandell; Julie (Becky) Carten-Crandell of Fennville, Michigan and their children, Leah Carten-Crandell and Aaron Carten-Crandell. He was preceded in death by his half-sisters, Alice and Louise and half-brother, Fred. VISITATION : Friday, February 23, 2018 from 3-7pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel 7193 W 48th Street Fremont MI 49412 FUNERAL SERVICES : Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 2pm at the Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel with the Crandell Family and Rev. Julie Fairchild of the Fremont United Methodist Church presiding. INTERMENT : Maple Grove Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Fremont Area Community Foundation for the Richard A. and Phyllis J. Crandell Memorial Fund. Checks payable to Fremont Area Community Foundation and can be sent to Crandell Funeral Home P O Box 148 Fremont MI 49412 Visitation Fremont Chapel Friday, February 23, 2018 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM 7193 W 48th Street Fremont, Michigan 49412 Funeral Service Fremont Chapel Saturday, February 24, 2018 2:00 PM 7193 W 48th Street Fremont, Michigan 49412