Obituary for S.A. Lloyd Crank

S.A. Lloyd Crank

March 12, 1926 – November 29, 2017

S. A. Lloyd Crank, age 91, long time resident of Newkirk, OK, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at home on his farm.

A memorial ceremony to gratefully celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, December 7, 2017 in the chapel at Trout Funeral Home with David Miller officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

S. A. was born on Friday, March 12, 1926 to Frank Crank and Opal Clark Crank in Fairfax, OK. S. A. was raised in the north central Oklahoma area, graduating from Yale High School in 1943. Pearl Harbor was attacked when S. A. was in high school. The event steeled in him a desire to serve our country. After receiving permission from his parents, S. A. joined the U.S. Navy in the summer of 1943 at the age of 17. Naval service took S. A. to the Pacific Theatre where he was a Turret Gunner in the Grumman TBM Avenger. Seeing things through, S. A. continued his service until the war ended in the pacific before being honorably discharged in January of 1946. Upon his return to Oklahoma, whilst walking in downtown Newkirk with his bomber jacket on, he caught the eye of Mineva Balzer. Their love for each other was fast and strong, leading to their marriage on July 20, 1947 at the Methodist Church in Kildare, OK. After they were married, S. A. began his studies at Oklahoma A & M, now OSU, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology in the early 1950’s. They made their home in Newkirk thereafter, with S. A. working as a geologist, supporting the Petroleum industry in the region. Military service left a lasting impression on S. A. He was a charter member of the Newkirk VFW and lifelong member of the American Legion with over 60 years of membership, remaining active in both organizations as long as he was able. In his later years, S. A. and Mineva purchased her parents’ home place south of Newkirk where he could enjoy the farm life, especially out in the garden with the vegetables he loved to grow. Above all, S. A. was a man of character, exemplifying the traditional traits of good men. Honesty, integrity, education, hard work, all with a good attitude and light hearted banter are qualities S. A. cultivated in himself and his family.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 70 years Mineva, adored children: Donella Hodgkins and husband Russ of Amherst, NH, Lynnette Ainsworth and husband Donny of Oklahoma City, OK and Steve Crank and wife Timilyn of Ponca City; daughter in law Susan Crank of Edmond, OK; sisters: Norma Going of Stillwater, Kathy Balch and husband Kenny of Edmond, OK; grandchildren: Candace Alexander, Rosella Salinas, Kenneth Crank, Captain Gordon Hodgkins, USAF, Captain Greg Hodgkins, USAF, Spencer Crank, Louren Crank, Courtney Ainsworth, Holly Carattini, and Timothy Crank; 13 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and son, Tim Crank.

The family will gather for visitation on the evening of Wednesday, December 6th at the home located at 3900 N. Pleasantview Newkirk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

Source: Trout Funeral Home