Eddie James Croan was born on May 8th, 1927 and died on January 28th, 2021.
He grew up in Wilson, OK, the oldest of eight children born to Marcus Bradshaw and Jessie Edna (Wideman) Croan. He was a good student, as evidenced by the scrapbooks and report cards that he kept throughout his life. We are so grateful to have those now.
Eddie was very proud of his service in the U. S. Navy near the end of WWII. He was also very proud to join his siblings and other relatives who served. After that time, he married his first wife, Melba, and they had two daughters, Donne and Deanne. Eddie was a born salesman, managing numerous stores, including Woolworth, Montgomery Ward, Gibson's, Clark's. He also spend time as a Camp Fire camp caretaker, at both Camp El Tesoro and Camp Natowa.
After Melba passed away, Eddie met his second wife, Betty, and they enjoyed life together for many years. When Betty passed away, he married Della. They loved going to the casinos in Louisiana and spending time with Della’s grandchildren. Eddie loved gardening and was especially proud of his roses. He created a family newsletter to keep us all informed. He also enjoyed writing and sharing his poetry,
In his later years, Eddie was thrilled to be able to take part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., which was sponsored by Brookshire Brothers Groceries. The folks at Brookshire’s were so helpful to him and we appreciate their friendship. As they aged and needed more help, Eddie and Della moved to the Atria in Tyler. The staff at Atria were kind to them and Eddie remained a resident after Della passed. His 90th birthday party was held there and he and his fellow residents had a grand time. He enjoyed all the activities with his friends at Atria.
Eddie was preceded in death by his three wives, Melba, Betty, and Della. Also preceding him were brothers: M.B., Elmer, Dugan, Howard and sister, Elizabeth. His survivors include: His sister, Lorene; his daughters: Donne and husband, Hugo, Deanne and wife, Ingrid, Granddaughters, Lindsay, Laelani, and Jayniah and Great Granddaughters, Caroline and Anna.
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