Delmar Crandall
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Delmar Wesley Crandall, Sr. was born March 5, 1930 in Ontario, CA. He passed away peacefully this May 5, 2021, at the age of 91 in Mission Viejo, CA, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Dave Peterson; children, Del Crandall, Jr., William Crandall (Laura), Jeffrey Crandall (Jennifer), Lynn McAlpine (Ken), Robert Crandall (Julie) and Timothy Crandall; 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances Lee, son Ronald David, parents Richard and Nancy Crandall and his sister Barbara Zigleman.
Del married his wife, Fran on March 18, 1951 in Las Vegas while on leave. They were married for over 64 years. He served in the Army between 1951-52 during the Korean War.
From the age of 6 he wanted to play baseball. He was a standout baseball star at Fullerton Union High School. At 17 he signed to play for the Boston Braves, making the team in 1949. He played for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves through 1963. He finished his career playing for San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. After retiring as a player in 1966, he managed in the minors for the Dodgers and the Brewers. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1972-1975, after which he coached for the Angels, and managed for several years in Albuquerque for the Dodgers AAA team. He also managed the Seattle Mariners for two years. Del worked in television broadcasting for the White Sox's and the Brewers. He finished his career working for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he put in over 20 years of service.
Del played in 11 All Star Games and won 4 gold gloves. He was inducted into the Orange County HOF, Albuquerque HOF, Pacific Coast League HOF, Milwaukee Braves Wall of Fame, and the Atlanta Braves HOF.
Del was an influential man to his family and his players. He loved his wife, children and made a positive impact on his extended family as well.
A celebration of his life will be taking place on June 26, 11:00 AM at Fullerton Free Church, 2801 N Brea Blvd, Fullerton, CA. Friends and fans are invited to the service.
In lieu of flowers Delmar's family requests memorial donations to be made to Brian's Fund, you can please make your check payable to "Brian's Fund" and mail it to: Brian's Fund, Regional Center of Orange County, P.O. Box 22010, Santa Ana, CA 92702-2010.
If you have questions, please email [email protected].
If you are planning to Del's Celebration of Life Service, please copy link and RSVP for the family.
https://forms.gle/eu2xihKn2bV3UHTt7
Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.