Obituary of Loren D. Croan

Loren D. Croan - with photo October 15, 1939 - August 5, 2014 West Columbia-Sergeant First Class Loren D. Croan (US Army-Ret.) died peacefully at home on Tuesday, in the loving arms of his wife of 54 years. He was 74 years old. A native of Edgerton, Kansas, Mr. Croan joined the Army in 1958 and served for 20 years in the U.S. and abroad. In Germany in 1960 he married the only love of his life, Renate E. Croan, who survives him along with their only child Michael D. Croan, 46, of North Bend, Washington. Mr. Croan retired from the Army in 1978, settling in Columbia with his family and working nearly two decades at Boozer Lumber Company. In 1987, Mr. Croan was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given only two years to live. After recovering from surgery he returned to work, loading and unloading lumber through radiation and chemotherapy until his body could no longer do the work. He went on living and loving until his final breath, beating his brain surgeon's prediction by 25 years. Mr. Croan was unfailing in his devotion to his wife and son, who mourn him deeply and express their gratitude for the kind and thoughtful care provided by Jermar Waite, Dr. William Crigler, Dr. Steven A. Madden and the staff at Hospice Advantage SC. Also mourning his death are his brother, Quinn; sisters, Leita and Joyce; grandchildren, Peri Nicole, Miles Thomas and Ava Grace; extended family across the U.S. and Germany; and all who knew him. Mr. Croan will be interred with military rites at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road in Columbia. The service will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at 10:00 AM. The family suggests donations to VFW Post 641, 534 S Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205, as an alternative to flowers and gifts.