CROAN

Dr. Harold Croan, age 90, retired Fort Scott Optometrist, former resident of 1615 Clairmont and more recently of Fort Scott Manor, died early Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in the Mercy Health Center Emergency Room. He was born July 28, 1917, in Mound City, Kansas, the son of Harvey B. Croan and Rose DeMott Croan. At the age of 6 months, his birth mother died. He was reared by this step-mother, Grace Demott Croan. Harold was a 1936 graduate of Ottawa High School and a 1940 graduate of Ottawa University. Following a 4 1/2 stint in the U.S. Army, he returned to Souther College of Optometry, Memphis, Tennessee, where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Croan opened his Fort Scott practice at 23 1/2 S. Main in 1950. He retired in 1982. He was active in the Lions Club where he served as president in 1954, chairman of March of dimes in 1953, served on the Fort Scott U234 School Board from 1955 to 1960, and the Chamber of Commerce board of directors. His hobbies include restoring a 1921 Model "T" touring car, collecting and restoring antique clocks, and mastering wood carving.

Survivors include his wife, Laura; one son Randal Croan and wife Sharon, Bartlesville, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Gayle Croan, Fort Scott; and two granddaughters, Blair Croan and Morgan Croan, both of Fort Scott. He was preceded in death by a son, Allan Croan.

Rev. Paul Babcock will conduct graveside services at 10 a.m. Friday in the U.S. National Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post 1165 V.F.W. Friends may meet at the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott Community College Endowment Fund and may be sent to Cheny Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.