Jerry Crandall

The MAB has learned of the August 8 passing of former broadcaster Jerry Rolan Crandall.  Crandall began his broadcasting career during high school at WCSR-AM (then WBSE) in Hillsdale as a DJ and sports commentator.  After graduating high school in 1956, Crandall attended Hillsdale College. While attending, he was the news and sports director at station WTVB-AM in Coldwater before becoming a newscaster at WKHM-AM in Jackson.

Crandall eventually found himself as reporter for the 6 p.m. news for WJBK in Detroit. He covered everything from Humane Society week (where he brought home the family dog, Coco) to covering the 1967 Detroit riot.

Crandall's love for covering sports continued later in life when he posted the plays from the Michigan State University football and basketball games on his Facebook page.

He had a short career in marketing before spending a majority of his career working at the federal and state level in communications where he mentored staff, candidates and policy leaders alike. In between his service in the state Senate and state House, he served as Lottery Commissioner under Governor John Engler. Crandall was a true public servant, willing to work and build friendships with people on both sides of the aisle.

Crandall is survived by his daughter Dawn Crandall; brother Charlie Crandall; sisters-in-law Nora Bell, Beverly Marks, Apryl Shelton (Bernie), and his many nieces and nephews.  He was 86 at the time of his passing.