Robert Donald "Bob" Cranford

Longtime Rector community leader Robert Donald "Bob" Cranford, 83, died Tuesday, April 15, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Cranford was a faithful member of the Rector community for 61 years, serving on the Rector School Board, the Rector Housing Authority from its conception and 20 years with the Rector Volunteer Fire Department.

He was a member of the Rector First United Methodist Church, which he served as treasurer for 30 years.

Born Aug. 7, 1924, in Grenada, Miss., to the late Benjamin and Rachel Cranford, he served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He later attended the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. He came to Rector in 1947, where he worked for Irby Funeral Home and met his future wife, Jewell Dean Marlar.

He worked for the Bank of Rector from 1956 until 1989, when he retired as Executive Vice President.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jewell Dean Cranford; daughter Carol Humke and husband Rick of Monument, Colo.; son Jeff Cranford and wife Janice of Jonesboro; grandchildren Jennifer Montoya and husband Adam of Philadelphia, Pa., Olivia Humke of Orlando, Fla., Cara Cranford and Marcus Cranford, both of Jonesboro; two brothers, Wayne Cranford and wife Frances of Little Rock and Bill Cranford and wife Rose of Little Rock; sisters-in-law Sue Riggs of Kennett and Eula Jean Haywood of Piggott; brother-in-law Jim Marlar of Little Rock, and many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

A family service was held at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 19, with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Rector. Rev. Roger Armstrong officiated. Interment was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector. Irby Funeral Home of Rector was in charge of arrangements.

Those who wish may sign the online guest book at www.irbyfuneralhom.com