Crandall C Jones

Some people measure a life by years. Others measure it by accomplishments. If you knew Crandall Jones, you measured his life by the smiles he created, the laughter he shared, the wisdom he offered, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Born November 2, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Oscar and Gladys Jones, Crandall lived a remarkable 92 years with purpose, faith, generosity, and joy. While his accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will tell you they never defined him. What defined Crandall was his character.

Education was important to him from an early age. After graduating from McBride High School, he continued his studies at Lincoln University and Xavier University. Soon afterward, he answered the call to serve his country, proudly serving in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. Years later, he was deeply honored to participate in an Honor Flight, a moving experience that allowed him to visit the memorials dedicated to America’s veterans. It was an opportunity he treasured and one of which he was immensely proud.

Following his military service, Crandall built a career rooted in integrity and excellence. He began as an Administrative Manager and Underwriter with Chicago Metropolitan Mutual Insurance before joining Emerson Electric, where he devoted more than three decades of service. Throughout his career, he served as a Contract Administrator and Negotiator, an Electrical and Mechanical Buyer, and a Production Control Supervisor before retiring in 1991. Retirement was only a brief chapter, as he returned to serve the City of St. Louis as Court Administrator from 1999 to 2009.

But if you asked Crandall what mattered most, he probably wouldn’t have talked about his career. He would have talked about his faith.

A devout Catholic throughout his life, Crandall’s spiritual journey began at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and later continued at St. Matthews Catholic Church. For more than 30 years, St. Peter Claver Parish became his church home, where he faithfully worshipped, served as an usher, and built lasting friendships. His faith was not something he spoke about only when he attended Mass, it was something he quietly lived every day through compassion, humility, kindness, and service to others.

Crandall volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, served as a Junior Achievement Counselor, and refereed youth sporting events for many years. Generations of young people benefited from his encouragement, fairness, and steady presence. He understood that sometimes simply showing up for a child could change a life.

Outside of work and service, Crandall knew how to enjoy life.

Whether boating with friends through the St. Louis Gateway Boat Club or enjoying fellowship as a member of the Royal Vagabonds, Omega Psi Fraternity, and his birthday club, he cherished the friendships he built over the years. 

He loved to fish, travel, dance, listen to live music, and spend time with the people he loved. He never turned down a good fish fry and could often be found enjoying breakfast at First Watch or seafood at Gulf Shores. Those simple moments brought him just as much happiness as life’s biggest milestones.

Even into his nineties, Crandall refused to slow down. He stayed active by swimming, practicing Tai Chi at the YMCA, Chicago stepping, biking, and embracing every opportunity to enjoy another day. He believed life was a gift, and he lived as though he intended to unwrap every single moment.

Yet, if there is one thing everyone remembers first, it is not where he worked or what organizations he joined.

It was his laugh.

His smile.

His quick wit.

His unmistakable sense of humor.

His ability to walk into a room and make everyone feel comfortable.

His willingness to help anyone who needed him.

Crandall never met a stranger. He loved people, and people loved him. He made friends wherever he went, and his kindness left an imprint that will remain long after his earthly journey has ended.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Gladys Jones.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, Cynthia Parker; his beloved grandsons, AJ Parker (Michelle) and Jordan Parker; his cousins, Earline Callaway Evans (Steve), Eunyce Abernathy (Anthony), Barbara V. Williams, Darrell Williams, Gregory Williams, Ernie Williams; his church family; lifelong friends; and countless others whose lives are fuller because they knew him.

Although we grieve his absence, we rejoice in a life beautifully lived. We find comfort knowing that the same faith he lived by has now welcomed him home. His lessons, his laughter, and his love will continue to guide all who were blessed to know him.

Daddy, thank you for showing us what it means to truly enjoy life. Your work here is finished, your race is complete, and your legacy lives on through all of us.

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