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The Chillicothe Voice

Obituary—Robert Michael “Mike” Cranford,

Robert Michael “Mike” Cranford, 


Robert, 82 of Peoria, IL, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at home with his family around him. Mike was born on April 30, 1941, in Peoria, IL, the son of Robert Forrest “Bob” & Lillian Loretta Smith Cranford. Mike married Linda Ann Newell on July 22, 1961, in Chillicothe, IL

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda, their son, Kendall (Teresa) Cranford; daughter, Crystal & (BJ) Kyle and son, Craig (Amy) Cranford; brother Tim & (Molly) Cranford; sister, Kathleen “Kay” Wilson; grandchildren, Joshua (Kelsey) Kyle, Rachel (Pat) Alger, Natalie (Michael) Lynch, Dereck Cranford, Alaina (Cody) Coulter, Kendra Cranford, Savannah (Adam) Hammerl; and great-grandchildren, Easton, Carolina, Maverick & Lorelei Lynch; Jediahah, Malachi, Delilah, & Ezekiel Coulter; Charlotte, Levi, & Mabel Kyle; Victor & Emersyn Cranford, & Remy, & Rhys Alger; 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Bradley; and one brother, Robert J. Cranford, who died at birth.

Mike was the founder and owner of Cranford Plumbing, Inc from 1977 to his retirement in 2002. Mike was active in bass fishing tournaments, Limestone Baseball, Limestone Volunteer Fire Department, and Cub Scouts. He and Linda spent their winters with friends at their place at Santa Fe RV Park in Apache Junction, AZ. Mike was a dedicated garden grower each year where they canned many fresh fruits and vegetables and gave away lots to friends and neighbors. He also planted many beautiful flowers and enjoyed sharing these plants with others each year.

Mike was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Peoria, IL and the Gilbert United Methodist Church, Gilbert, AZ.

The family of Mike Cranford is being served by Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. You may view the obituary and share condolences and memories at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.