In Memory Of
Duke Cranford
1928
2016
Duke Cranford
February 8, 1928 — March 19, 2016
Duke D. Cranford, 88, Junction City, KS, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Valley View Senior Life in Junction City. Mr. Cranford was cremated. A graveside service with full military honors will be conducted 10 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2016, at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery near Manhattan, KS.
Duke was born February 8, 1928 in Troy NC to John and Ada (Brewer) Cranford. He was the 12th of 13 children and the last of his siblings to survive. He grew up in Troy and as a young man swam across the PeeDee River, almost drowning in the event.
Duke was drafted during World War II and served in post war Japan. He was one of the last surviving members of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur's honor guard. He went on to serve during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He served three combat tours during the Korean War receiving the Purple Heart for wounds during his third tour. SGM Cranford retired from the Army after more than 28 years of service settling in Junction City. After his military retirement he worked at the Ft. Riley commissary in the meat department for many years.
Duke married Sue (Sumiko Mitsui) on March 18, 1952 in Sapporo Japan. They were able to spend their 64th anniversary together.
Duke was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ada, his 8 brothers: Bob, Cashion, Charles, Dale, John, Paul, Raymond, and Woodrow; sisters: Clattie Belle, Clara, M. Edith and Sarah. He is survived by his wife Sue; son Ted (Lisa) of Leavenworth; daughters Anna Cranford of Henderson, NV, Mary Mitsui (CW Cade) of Lawrence; and four grandsons: Micheal Hawes of Henderson, NV; Matt & Adrian Cade of Lawrence, and Sean Cranford of Leavenworth.
Duke enjoyed going to garage sales, the library and the DAV store. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to the Dorothy Bramlage library or the DAV store in Junction City, KS.
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Duke was born February 8, 1928 in Troy NC to John and Ada (Brewer) Cranford. He was the 12th of 13 children and the last of his siblings to survive. He grew up in Troy and as a young man swam across the PeeDee River, almost drowning in the event.
Duke was drafted during World War II and served in post war Japan. He was one of the last surviving members of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur's honor guard. He went on to serve during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He served three combat tours during the Korean War receiving the Purple Heart for wounds during his third tour. SGM Cranford retired from the Army after more than 28 years of service settling in Junction City. After his military retirement he worked at the Ft. Riley commissary in the meat department for many years.
Duke married Sue (Sumiko Mitsui) on March 18, 1952 in Sapporo Japan. They were able to spend their 64th anniversary together.
Duke was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ada, his 8 brothers: Bob, Cashion, Charles, Dale, John, Paul, Raymond, and Woodrow; sisters: Clattie Belle, Clara, M. Edith and Sarah. He is survived by his wife Sue; son Ted (Lisa) of Leavenworth; daughters Anna Cranford of Henderson, NV, Mary Mitsui (CW Cade) of Lawrence; and four grandsons: Micheal Hawes of Henderson, NV; Matt & Adrian Cade of Lawrence, and Sean Cranford of Leavenworth.
Duke enjoyed going to garage sales, the library and the DAV store. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to the Dorothy Bramlage library or the DAV store in Junction City, KS.
**To leave a special online message for the family, press the "share" tab above**
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Duke Cranford, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Graveside Service
Friday, March 25, 2016
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Kansas Veterans' Cemetery
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