Durward Bedford McCracken

Durward Bedford McCracken left this earth, May 9, at the age of 94 to join his beautiful wife, Lollimarie and lifelong friends Freddie Chamberlain, Mark Woodall, Jim Collins, Jess Stout, W.C. Roberts and Wayne Taylor.  McCracken was born in Alanreed, Texas on June 30, 1920, the youngest child of Bedford Forrest and Bohuny (Shmidl) McCracken.  His passion in life was cars and he knew at an early age that he wanted to own as many as possible.  While living in Amarillo, he owned McCracken Motor Company and later National Car Rental before moving to San Antonio in the early 70’s.  McCracken operated his own business until his mid-eighties, buying and selling cars with his beloved Lollimarie at his side.  He was quick to tease and good with his hands, repairing a broken tea cup or a bent fender with ease and expert skill. McCracken was a true gentleman, stoic yet compassionate, dapper in his pressed white shirts, khaki slacks and alligator shoes.  Lollimarie often said he could wash a car in his best suit without getting a drop of water on his clothes.  He took in many strays throughout his life – of the animal persuasion and a few of the human persuasion as well.
He is survived by his children from a previous marriage to Ruth (Allen) McCracken: Michael and wife Gail, their children Kyle, Trenton and Clifton; Patrice McCracken and her children Benjamin and Bryan Williams; Matthew McCracken; and four great-grandchildren, all of Houston, Texas.
He is also survived by his daughter from his marriage to Lollimarie (Richmond): Annemarie McCracken Picard and husband David, their children Jacqueline (Jacy) Rudloff and Vincent Bedford of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lollimarie McCracken, and his siblings, Beatrice Rodgers, Bonnie Harris, and Harry K. McCracken.
The family thanks Al Cole, Kathy & Robb Einhaus, Kari & Vaughan Cook and the late Terry Bernsen – all of who were especially important after Lollimarie passed away.  Graveside services will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Amarillo, Texas on Saturday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m.  Those wishing to commemorate McCracken’s life should consider a donation to a no-kill shelter of their choice in memory of the countless animals he rescued during his many years on this Earth.

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