Steven S. Crannell‚ age 47‚ was a member of the Guthrie Center Fire Department for over 20 years. He joined the fire department on October 5‚ 1989‚ and did a lot of activities with the members of the fire department. Not only did they serve on the department together‚ the families took vacations together‚ and a close bond was formed with his fellow firefighters.

Guthrie Center Fire Department is a volunteer department‚ and Steve was a volunteer in every form. He held the office of president for five years and became the secretary/treasurer in 1996‚ a position he held until his death. Steve loved to see money grow and used his skills to help his local fire department succeed. Steve knew no stranger and always welcomed everyone with a smile that made you feel like you had been friends for years.

Not only did he help the fire department‚ he was very involved in all aspects of the Guthrie Center community. He helped the Guthrie Center School’s booster club and was president of the preschool Tiger Tykes. He was a member of the Guthrie Center Development Board and Chamber of Commerce‚ a past president of the Lions Club‚ and served on the planning and zoning committee. As a State Farm agent‚ Steve truly was a Good Neighbor to all.

Steve graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1981. He married Vicki Varnum in 1985‚ and they moved to Guthrie Center in 1988‚ where he was the State Farm agent. Steve and Vicki worked together in the office for over 21 years. They have two children‚ son‚ Nate (23)‚ of West Des Moines‚ Iowa; and daughter‚ Mandy (20)‚ a current student at the University of Northern Iowa.

Steve and Vicki loved to ride their motorcycle and frequently took long trips with friends. The impact he had on friends and loved ones was strong and will never be forgotten. The character and values that he instilled in his community and department left a lasting impression and will remain strong for generations.