Franklin Pierce Crader II

Franklin Pierce Crader II, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed into eternal life on October 11, 2010 at home surrounded by his family and pastor Drew Travis. Frank was born on February 17, 1917 in Valliant, Oklahoma to Franklin and Clyde Crader. Frank was married to the love of his life Vivian nearly seventy years ago, on October 19, 1940 in Leveland, Texas. Together they worked their way to California in 1942. After working in the shipyards in Richmond, California, Frank heard about a job availability on the Klamath National Forest. He sent his wife Vivian via Greyhound bus "to check out the land". Vivian reported back to him the beautiful mountains she had seen and they made the move. When they arrived in Yreka, Frank hitch-hiked to Montague and bought a rusty 1930's coupe. Frank bought some sand paper, a paint brush, a can of black paint and had that little car looking brand new in no time. Frank and Vivian were stationed at the Kelsey Creek Guard Station with the U.S.F.S. and Kelsey Creek remained his favorite spot in Siskiyou County. Frank was a master carpenter, hunter and fisherman. He kept his family in meat and killed his last buck in his late eighties. He built rocking horses, play houses, mouse houses and gnome houses for his children and grandchildren. He built beautiful pieces of furniture and a wonderful home for his family up McAdams Creek. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Vivian, his daughters, Sandy Eiler, Susan Winters and Sharon Saunders, son-in-law, Larry Saunders; grandchildren Heide Enos (John), Heather King, Heath Davis-Havlick (Tom), Sean Davis, Jeff and Jeri Sue Grossen and Charity Saunders-Palmer (Stephen); great grandchildren Ashley and Alyson Enos, McQuade and Morgan King, Wren Smith and Garrison Palmer. He is also survived by his nephews, John and David Brumley; niece, Wanda Hitt who he helped raised after they lost their parents. Frank was preceded in death by his son, Franklin in 1971 and his grandson Danny Grossen in 2009. Frank loved his children and developed strong bonds with his grandchildren. He taught them to hunt, fish, find old bottles and coins, build things, pan for gold, drive, garden and do so much more. Frank became a born again Christian in the early 1970's. He and Vivian built relationships with many of their various pastor's children for many years. Our beloved Frank is now pain free and in the loving arms of Jesus. We love and adore you. Until we meet again, rest in peace, precious husband, dad and papa. Funeral services will be held in the Scott Valley Berean Church in Etna on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with pastor Drew Travis officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Yreka. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Operation Christmas Child, via Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Franklin Pierce Crader II

February 17, 1917 - October 11, 2010