THIRD LONGTIME CROSSVILLE BUSINESSMAN DIES IN A WEEK
A two-vehicle accident in Cumberland County Thursday afternoon claimed the life of a long-time Crossville business man and World War 2 hero. Edwin Lansford, longtime CPA in Crossville, died in a T-bone crash on Highway 127 South at the entrance of the Cumberland Mountain State Park. Authorities and emergency personnel were called to the scene at 1:15 PM. According to reports, Lansford’s vehicle was struck by a public transportation van. Mr. Lansford was airlifted to UT Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. The 47-year-old male driver of the van and a 50-year-old female passenger were both transported to Cumberland Medical Center, while a third passenger in the van, a 66-year-old woman was taken by ambulance to UT Medical Center. Mr. Lansford was 91.
April 10th, 2014 was declared “EDWIN G. LANSFORD DAY” in Cumberland County by Mayor Kenneth Carey with the following proclamation:
Whereas, Mr. Lansford left the United States for France on September 5th, 1944 and served with the 324th Regimental Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon of the 44th Infantry Division;
Whereas, Mr. Lansford was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service during combat in Northern France and the Purple Heart for a wound received in the Lorraine region on February 14th, 1945. He also received the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater medal with 3 Bronze Stars.
Whereas, On March 31, 2014 he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Award by the French Consul General. This award is the highest decoration bestowed in France and is meant to express the gratitude of the French people to the soldiers who participated in the liberation of France.
Earlier this week Crossville businessman Ed Bowman, owner of Bowman’s RV’s, was killed in an accident at the Cumberland Mt. State Park campground. Lynn Isham, owner of A-1 Body shop died this week as well from a long time illness. (105.7 News-CNF)
