John William Crenshaw Jr.

A memorial service was Monday in Minden for John William Crenshaw Jr., 81, who died Sept. 23, 2009, at Continuing Care in Carson City.

Born Nov. 9, 1927, in Carbondale, Ill., to John William and Beulaw Angeline Chamess Crenshaw, he graduated from Southern Illinois University. A direct descendent of Declaration of Independence signer John Hart, he was also descended from Ulysses S. Grant.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He played baseball for a St. Louis Cardinals farm team.

Mr. Crenshaw was vice president of the International Division of Baskin Robbins in charge of 52 countries.

He married Marguerite Lorraine Davis Oct. 18, 1986, in Glendale, Calif.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Roger Dean Crenshaw.

He is survived by sons John William Crenshaw III and Michael Scott (Amy) Crenshaw; daughters Mary Alison (William) Drenki and Linda Elizabeth Crenshaw; stepson William Ross (Laura) Smith; step daughter Kani Lynn Smith; and 13 grandchildren.

The service was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Internment is at Garden Cemetery in Gardnerville.

FitzHenry's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.