Melvin "Mel" Bert Cranston

Melvin "Mel" Bert Cranston, 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 9, 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born in Newton, Iowa on November 29, 1948 to Bert and Dorritt Cranston. In 1971, he graduated Iowa State University and shortly thereafter moved to Arkansas where he met and married Robin Chaney. They had two children, Erin and Jacob. While they were together they owned Tim's Pizza and bought Cranston Stables. Mel married Shirley Hostnick and they lived happily on the farm until her death in 2013. He is survived by his two children, Erin Layne and husband, Bill and Jacob Cranston; four grandchildren, Brittany Layne, Caleb Layne, Dylan Reeves and Eli Cranston; his brother, Ed Cranston and his sister, Sherry Grimes and their families. A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Beard's Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his lifelong passion of taking care of animals at the Bank of Fayetteville. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.