Jack Cranfill

Jack Cranfill was born August 30, 1940 in Walters, Oklahoma. His father, Joe Paul and mother, Ola Okla were born in Oklahoma as well. No doubt that is why he always cheered for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. Jack's father was an employee of Halliburton for 35 years and early transfers were common. They lived in Oklahoma, Colorado and Utah before settling in Wyoming in 1958.

Jack graduated from Vernal High in Vernal, Utah in 1958. He attended the University of Utah and Casper College before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1962. He served 3 years then began a social work career which included the Wyoming Boy's School and the Wyoming Cathedral Home for Children. A commitment to social work led to another term in the Army, including service at Fort Lewis, Washington. Upon his retirement from the Army, he was a social worker for the State of Washington.

Jack married Ann Vinson in 1980. She died in 2021. They enjoyed travel around the world, the Oregon Shakespear Festival, good wine and each other for 41 years.

Jack earned a Master of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1982. In 1988, he earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington. He was 48 years old. At the age of 65, he donated a kidney to a lawyer in the law firm where his wife Ann worked. When asked "Did you know him?" he responded "No, I had 2 kidneys and he needed one."

Jack moved to Cody in 2021 and remained until his passing. Many thanks to the staff and residents of Absaroka Assisted Living for their care and friendship. Special thanks to the staff of Spirit Mountain Hospice for a comfortable and love filled ending on January 8, 2025.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents, Paul and Ola Cranfill and his niece Martha Meghan Cranfill. He was also preceded in death by Ann's son and daughter.

He is survived by his brother Steve (Dana), niece Macey, niece Laura and her family, Averi, Isaac and Presley. He loved them and was extremely proud of their achievements.

Cremation has taken place through Ballard Funeral Home and his ashes, along with Ann's, will be scattered in Washington State in early summer. A memorial service will be held at Absaroka Assisted Living at a later date.