Paul Cranfill

Paul W. Cranfill, age 85 of Copperas Cove, passed away on Thursday, Mach 30, 2017 at his home.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Scott's Funeral Home Chapel in Copperas Cove, with Rev. Mike Kesner officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Paul was born on June 1, 1931 in Hillsboro, Illinois to the late Alva Franklin and Della Pickerill Cranfill.  He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1949.  He then farmed with his father and served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Germany.  After returning to the farm, he went to college at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he received his B.S. Degree in Agriculture in 1960 and his M.S. Degree in Agriculture Education in 1983.  He married Nancy Swartzendruber in Tiskilwa, Illinois, on July 1, 1962.  Paul taught Vocational Agriculture, Biology and Horticulture in Illinois schools for 31 years.  He was a licensed lay speaker.  He and  his wife enjoyed camping and held non-denominational church services at Rainmaker Campground in Litchfield, Illinois, for 35 years.  Paul and his wife were active members of the Methodist Church for 40 years.  He and his wife moved to Copperas Cove in 2006 and became members of Five Hills Assembly of God, where they continued their ministry by being active in outreach and other church activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant children, Linda and Brent; brothers, Kenneth Cranfill, Jim Cranfill and his wife, Evelyn; and step-mother, Lena Wilkie Cranfill.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Cranfill;  son, Pastor Brian P. Cranfill and wife, Debbie of Copperas Cove; one daughter, Lisa Keefer and husband, John of Copperas Cove; four grandchildren, Paul G. Cranfill and wife, Dawn and Matthew Cranfill of Copperas Cove, Wesley Keefer and wife Nikki,  Ashley Keefer;  nine great-grandchildren; two nephews, Jerry Cranfill and wife, Mary, Jim Cranfill and wife, Donna; one niece, Janet McNew and husband, Byron.

Memorials may be made to Five Hills Assembly of God, P.O. Box 508, Copperas Cove, TX 76522.