Gary Emerson Crandell, son of George Emerson (1916-2003) and Virginia Olive (Anderson) (1917-2001) Crandell, was born 24 August 1942, Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan. Gary, the oldest of 3 children, was raised in Okemos where his father had an excavating business. Graduating from Okemos High School in 1960, Gary briefly attended Ferris State College. Gary met Kenna Sue Derr. The couple were married 11 January 1969, Albion, Michigan.

Both Gary and Kenna were employed by General Motors. Kenna worked there for 40 years while Gary spent 42 years as their employee. Kenna, born 23 November 1945, Michigan, passed away 26 November 2008. Almost 8 months later Gary passed away, 6 July 2009. Gary and Kenna were interred Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing. They were survived by their 2 sons and a daughter.