COL (R) Craig William Crane, 73 of Lawrence Kansas, passed away on January 23rd due to complications from Leukemia. Craig was born on July 23rd, 1950, to Claude and Helen Crane in Iola, KS. Craig graduated from Iola High School in 1968. In 1969 he enlisted into the Army and completed two tours in Vietnam. Upon his return he finished his studies at the University of Kansas. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science in 1975, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.
After 3 years in the Marine Corps., he joined the Kansas Army National Guard in the AGR program serving in varied positions. COL Crane’s awards included Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star with ‘V’ Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and many other citations for outstanding achievements. In 1995, he retired from active military service from the KSARNG and one year later was promoted to the rank of COLONEL. Post-retirement years found him to be the Safety Director for Amarr Garage Door.
In 1972 in Iola, KS, Craig met Jeryl Bain, and they were wed August 3rd, 1974. Craig and Jeryl went on to have three children: Casey, Christyn, and Joseph. While raising his children Craig was actively involved in coaching, officiating, and various sports organizations including being president of the local baseball association. Craig dedicated over 20 years to youth athletics.
After retirement his hobbies included traveling, watching his grandchildren in their activities, and walking his dog, Gus.
Craig was predeceased in death by his father Claude Crane and mother Helen Whitworth. He is survived by his brother John Crane (Sherry), wife Jeryl, son Casey Crane (Christal), daughter Christyn Haberly (Brett) and Joseph Crane (Krisha). Grandchildren include Bryden Crane, Bain Haberly, Stella Haberly, Hadley Crane, Nora Haberly, Layna Crane, Baylor Crane and awaiting the arrival of granddaughter Bosley Crane.
His family has organized a visitation at Rumsey-Yost, Lawrence, KS from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday January 29th, 2024.
Services will be held at Rumsey-Yost, Lawrence, KS at 10:00 am on Tuesday January 30th, 2024.
Graveside services on January 30th, 2024, will be at Highland Cemetery in Iola, KS at 2:00 pm.
To the Crane family-although I didn’t know Craig all that well, I have fond memories of him. Always had smile and for good reason, he was around a baseball field. My thoughts and prayers to all
We enjoyed spending time with you all during our baseball years and appreciated Craig’s dedication to the kids. Bob had a running joke of trying to beat Craig to the fields, because Craig always made it a point to be the first one there! May your precious memories bring peace and comfort.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
My thought and prays to you and your family I worked many years with Craig at Amarr, serving in the Army myself always enjoyed his story telling. He will be missed
Jeryl, Casey, Christyn, and Joe – we were so sorry to hear of the passing of Craig. We have so many fond memories of little league games and good times in the neighborhood. Our deepest condolences, and our hearts go out to all of you.
While he scared the hell out of me at the time, Craig is still one of the my most fondly remembered little league baseball coaches. My deepest condolences to the family, especially Joe. He will be missed.
COL (Ret) Crane was an outstanding soldier. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I didn’t even like country music, but I always listened to “Country” Craig on the radio when I was headed in to work at KALN (Iola, KS) Radio, because I wanted to learn from him. Always friendly and willing to share insights with a new, young(er) DJ, I appreciated his sincere, down-to-earth warmth and encouragement. He was a special person long before he began his military career.
Craig stood tall in his love of family, military service, and our Nation. He excelled in leadership and tactics. A brother in arms forever. You will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace.
I considered Craig to be the consummate soldier: Tactically and technically proficient, demanding but fair, cheerful in the face of challenge, and an excellent leader. I am proud to have served with him. Semper Fi, Brother.
I was so sorry to read about Craig’s passing. Such sad news. It’s been several years, but I have so many found memories of serving on the DCABA board with Craig & getting to know him & his lovely family through our baseball connection. Craig was a wonderful guy who always wanted to do the best for the organization. He always had a smile on his face & a positive word to share. We will keep his lovely family in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. A very genuine & kind man taken too soon.
Craig was a hoot to work with at Amarr. I always looked forward to his surprise visits! All of us here at the Denver DC send our condolences to the family.
I always looked forward to working with Craig. He always wanted a practical solution that favored soldiers. He has my utmost respect.
The best commander I ever served under.
So Sorry for your loss Col Crain was my Battalion Commander when I was a commander. I have many fond memories of his leadership and guidance.
Rest In Peace Sir!!
This news hurts. Everyone who knew him just lost something.
MAJ(Ret) Michael Howell,
Col (Ret) Crain was a superb leader, mentor, and brother-in-arms. The lessons he shared in the early years of my military career remained with me throughout my military career. He was always willing to not only train his Soldiers and young officers to task, but more importantly, he also trained to standard. While often challenging, he was fair. I count him among the best I had the honor of serving with! Rest easy sir! Godspeed!
Jeryl, Casey, Christyn, and Joe so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to his family. COL (ret)Crane was one of my first mentors as I entered the AGR program, and gave advice I used through my career and to this day. I am sadden by the thought I will not have a chance to see him or share stories in the future. Karen and I will keep your family in our prayers.
Craig has always been a steadfast friend and brother in arms. We shared 30 years in the Kansas Army National Guard and both commanded Infantry Battalions at the same time. He always provided input and advice when asked. He and I served together on Brigade staff and we frustrated our Brigade Commander. We both served in the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam.
He was my closest friend.
Jeryl and family you are in Patty’s and my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace for your family.
So sorry, Jeryl and family for your great loss!
Thank you for along with your father being such a loyal and supportive friend to our family!!
Sending my condolences to Craigs family. He was a great person and always willing to help and would stop and talk to you all the time. Craig you will be missed by many. May you RIP
So sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I worked with Craig at Amarr for many years. It was always enjoyable to hear his stories about work and the I gained valuable insight from the knowledge he shared with me.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Prayers of comfort and peace during this difficult time. A huge thank you to your loved one for his service.
Casey, I’m very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and your family at this time.
Jeryl, I am so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers, dear girl.
COL(ret) Crane was the ultimate tactician, widely regarded by fellow officers. In addition to commanding a rifle company, Craig successfully commanded two infantry battalions. He was the benchmark of positive leadership for his soldiers.
Jeryl, so sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you and your family.
My condolences to the family- I worked with Craig for many years at Amarr… he will be missed
I got to work with Craig but went to school with Casey. Your dad was a great man. I am sorry for your family’s loss.
The Cranes are a beautiful, close knit family. I am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man.Prayers for all
My condolences. I always looked forward to Craig stopping by the Amarr office, he would always stop in and tell stories of his many travels for Amarr. He will be missed by his co workers.