Edward McCracken

September 1, 1937 - June 6, 2011

Edward G. McCracken Sr., 73, passed away peacefully Monday, June 6, at his Corvallis home, after a long battle with cancer. Ed was born Sept. 1, 1937, in Wellsville, N.Y., to Kenneth Edward and Elizabeth Mary (Sprong) McCracken. At age 17, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the doctors said that Ed would most likely never walk again, but after treatments and a strong will, he did walk and lead an active life. After graduating from Wellsville High School in 1955, Ed moved to Southern California, where he worked at Firestone, Lockheed Martin and National Life, earning top sales awards. In 1962, while attending a church dance, he met his soon-to-be bride, Emilia; they were married on June 9. In 1963, they had their first son, Kenneth Gregory, and in 1965, had a second son, Edward “George” Jr. By 1967, the family moved to Oregon, and Ed began working for Allstate Insurance. Then in 1973, their daughter, Stephanie Jean, joined the family. During that same year, Ed started working for Truax Corporation, which began the next chapter of his career. Ed continued working with Truax, and retired in 2000. He was generously rewarded for all his years of service with an Alaskan cruise, fulfilling a longtime dream of touring Alaska. During retirement, Ed discovered the joy of woodworking. He built many custom pieces of furniture for family and friends. He also enjoyed computers and staying current with technology. Every morning, Ed liked to watch “Live with Regis and Kelly” while eating breakfast, and NASCAR on Sundays. Ed was a true Beaver Believer, following baseball, football and basketball as an armchair coach. Ed has deep roots in the fire department, starting back in Wellsville, where he served along with his father, brothers and uncles. For many years, Ed proudly volunteered with the Sweet Home and Corvallis fire departments on the ladder truck and search and rescue crews. Ed is survived by his wife of 49 years, Emilia; son, Greg of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter, Stephanie of Forest Grove; brothers, Bob of Wellsville and Skip of Orlando, Fla.; and sister, Carole Wells of Allentown, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his son, George; father, Kenneth; and mother, Elizabeth. A funeral Mass and reception will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, June 13, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corvallis, celebrated by Father John Henderson. A private interment will follow. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Perpetual Adoration Chapel or Samaritan Evergreen Hospice of Albany.