Vernon C. Cratty, 95, of Polk passed away November 16th, 2017, at UPMC Northwest.
Vernon was born May 18, 1922, in Healdton, Oklahoma to Melvin and Mildred (Keith) Cratty.
Vernon joined the military in 1943 after graduating from Franklin High School and went to serve for a long portion of the war, spending time in Italy, Normandy, and Central Europe. He was wounded in Black Forest, Germany, and missed a package sent to him from his mother, that was later discovered. In 1998 an article was published in a local paper recounting the package, filled with cookies and goodies that he didn’t receive from his mother in a war zone. After returning home from his military service, Vernon went to work for thirty-seven years for Chicago Pneumatic Tools and he retired in 1978.
Left to cherish his memory are his children; Dean Cratty and his wife Mary, of Polk, and Lynda Duffie and her husband William of Polk. Also, surviving is his brother; Wallace Cratty of Canton, OH. Also survived by a daughter-in-law; Rebecca Cratty of Barkeyville, PA. Grandchildren that are surviving include; Susan Warrington and her husband Joe of Warren, PA, Heather Bole and her husband, David of Clarksburg, PA, Megan Myers and her husband, Tom of Polk, PA, Aaron Cratty and his wife, Stacie of Parish, FL, Amber Barnes and her husband, Mark of Hickory, NC, Jerrod Cratty and his wife, Jennifer of Franklin, PA, and Amanda Baker and her husband, Dan of Franklin, PA. There are fifteen great-grandchildren, as well as two great-great-grandchildren that cherish Vernon’s memory as well.
Vernon is preceded in death by his wife Margaret J. “Peg” Cratty who passed away November 6, 1998. Also, he is preceded in death by his parents; Also, a son; Jim Cratty and two brothers; Richard and Ralph Cratty, his sister; Thelma Bickel and a great-grandson, Colton James Cratty.
Vernon was a Master Mason of Myrtle Lodge 316 in Franklin, Valley of Oil City Consistory, Valley of New Castle Consistory and the Commandery, Post 44. Vernon was also a member of the Sandycreek Conservancy and participated as a Toy Builder for many years. Vernon enjoyed the outdoors. He made many trips to Canada to hunt and fish. His favorite was goose hunting. He also participated in various bowling and golfing leagues throughout his life.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017, at Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc.1315 Chestnut Street in Franklin from 2:00 PM-8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Roy Gearhart, Pastor of the Galloway United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Old Sandy Cemetery and military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard
Memorial Contributions are asked to be sent to the Make a Wish Foundation 4742 N. 24th Street. Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016 or the V.E.T.S Honor Guard PO Box 137, Franklin, PA.
To send cards, flowers or share condolences, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
