Crandel Oscar Lindsey

Crandel Oscar Lindsey, 86, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Crandel was born May 1, 1932, in Wilson, OK, the fifth of six children born to William Oscar and Kennie (Gilliam) Lindsey. He is survived by his wife Jean (Siler); his children Stephanie E. (Ben) Seltmann of Topeka, Karen A. (Chad) Entsminger of Topeka, John Kirkland (Jing) Lindsey of Taipei, Taiwan, and Jennifer A. (Andy Nelson) Lindsey, Eugene, OR; six grandchildren Kate Wilds, Spencer Lindsey, Brandy (Grant) Treaster, Andrew Entsminger, Gus Nelson, Harper Lindsey; a brother, Evert Lindsey of Longview, TX, and many nieces and nephews.

Crandel and Jean were married on September 25, 1953, in Guthrie, OK, while Crandel was serving in the U.S. Navy.

While stationed in San Diego, Crandel and Jean attended Balboa Park Baptist Church. It was there that God called Crandel into a profession of serving as a pastor in bi-vocational ministry. Crandel received a Bachelor's Degree in social work from California Baptist College (now California Baptist University) in Riverside, CA. He worked for the American Red Cross for 26 years. In addition to serving as Executive Director of the Capital Area chapter in Topeka from 1975 to 1987, he worked in other chapters across the United States, in Vietnam during the war, and Germany where he spent two years along with his family.

After retirement, during the period from 1997 to 2004, Crandel and Jean worked as volunteer missionaries in Eastern Europe where Crandel served as interim pastor with International English Language Baptist churches in Kiev, Ukraine; Sofia, Bulgaria; and St. Petersburg, Russia. Of this work, Crandel said, "The Lord has changed our lives by granting us opportunities to serve in Eastern Europe. We fell in love with the people, and were inspired by their simple and strong faith in the Lord for every aspect of their lives."

Crandel had a joyful spirit, a quick wit, and a servant's heart. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who served as a guide and role model to his children and grandchildren throughout his life. He never met a stranger and had a genuine interest in the life of everyone he met. He will always be loved and admired by the people he has touched all over the world.

Crandel was a faithful member of First Southern Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at First Southern Baptist Church, located at 1912 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS, 66604. Memorial contributions may be made to First Southern Baptist Church or Midland Care Hospice.