Joseph Edward “Ed” McCracken, age 94 of Hiattville died July5, 2022 at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. The son of Joe and Nellie (Peelle) McCracken, Ed was born on the family farm only a mile from where he lived most of his adult life.
When WWII broke out and his older brothers were called into service, he dropped out of Girard High School to run the family farm. After the war, he continued his education, graduating Fort Scott High School in 1948.
In 1959, he married Elma Pellett in Fort Scott. She preceded him in death on October 25, 2005.
Over the years Ed farmed, worked for the Goodlander Mill, and worked for KDOT. In his later years, he continued working around the farm and honed his cooking skills often baking bread and making his famous cinnamon rolls.
He was known for his big heart and willingness to help others. He also had the ability to fix almost anything and sometimes without duct tape. He will also be remembered for his amazing ability to remember dates, his strength, and his strong work ethic. Ed played as hard as he worked, playing baseball for several teams and bowling for many years.
Ed is survived by daughters Linda (Rod) Thomson, Olathe, KS and Ester McCracken of the home; grandsons Jacob (Victoria) Thomson, Oswego, IL and Jared Thomson, Henderson, NV; and many nieces and nephews who treasured their time with him. He was a special uncle to several, none more than Steve and Brandon Fisher.
Last, but not least, he will be missed by Tucker and Brylee, two of his many beloved pets over the years.
Besides his wife, Ed was predeceased by his parents and 10 siblings: O’Ella Ross, Ester Fisher, Dewey McCracken, Wm. (Howard) McCracken (MIAWWII), Beth McCracken (Infant), Ruby Niemeir, Dee Burnam, Ruth McCarty, Don McCracken, and Carol(Kay)Davis.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, July 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date at the Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
