Frank Leroy Cranston

Franklin Leroy Cranston, born December 17, 1939 in Odebolt, Iowa. Passed November 18, 2023 at home in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Preceded in death by parents James and Lela Cranston, sister Helen Cranston Johnson and brother Richard (Dick) Cranston. Survived by wife of 62 years Carol Russell Cranston, Daughters Diane (Mark) Gazda, Mary (Dennis) Wellendorf, Amy (Todd) Bell, and Kathy (Chuck) Burney. Grandchildren Joey, Jessica, Makayla (Jeff), Sarah, Brooke (Cory), Abbie, Ryan, Noah, Amanda, Jayme, Alfredo (Neva), and Lupe. Great Grandchildren Brynn, John, Broc, Brooklyn, Hadley, Nala, and Tyler and numerous niece and nephews Frank grew up on the family farm outside of Odebolt, Iowa. He attended country school until 8th grade and then attended Ida Grove High School. It was here that Frank met Carol Russell and Carol forever became known as Frank’s girl. He graduated in 1958 and then attended South Dakota State for a year and then transferred to Iowa State. He graduated from Iowa State with an associates degree in construction engineering. Frank’s career started with the Iowa Department of Roads. Next he moved to Ready Mix Lyman Richey Sand and Gravel where he rose to the rank of President and furthering his career became President of Kerford Limestone. Frank was also actively involved in his community of Elkhorn where he moved his family in 1971. He was a volunteer police officer, long time volunteer for the Elkhorn Fire and Rescue, and a member of the Lions Club. He was involved in many professional organizations which included 1985-1986 serving as President of Iowa Ready Mix Concrete Association, and in 1994 serving as President and later an Honorary Lifetime member of Nebraska Concrete and Aggregates Association. Frank also served on the Board of Directors of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association from 2001 to 2008. Frank's career was important to him but his greatest source of pride came from his family. It maybe wasn’t said out loud but it was expected one would be home for holidays! As grandchildren started to get involved in activities Grandpa was a fixture in the stands or on the sidelines and boy those grandchildren were stars in anything they were involved in, well at least in his eyes. As the years added up, those years started to take their toll. The heart and memory struggled but his humor and love for family never waivered. Frank passed away with his family surrounding him with love, laughter and prayers.

Frank Leroy Cranston

December 17, 1939 - November 18, 2023