He served in World War II as a tank commander in Germany and Italy. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Oakleaf Cluster to the Silver Star, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean Conflict.

He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and employed as a packaging specialist for 32 years at Reynolds Metals Company. After retirement, he became a consultant for Mitsubishi Aluminum in Japan.

He was an active member of Second Baptist Church as a deacon and choir member. He was a volunteer at Retreat Hospital, Children's Hospital and the Henrico County Extension Service, where he became a master gardener. He was a member of the downtown Kiwanis Club.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Mehaffey Crane; by three daughters: Cynthia Crane of Nashville TN, Donna Crane Kennedy of Richmond; Susan Crane Kerley and her husband Robert Kerley, and three grandchildren, Patrick, Caroline and Kendall Kerley; by a brother, Dr. Frank Crane, of Greenville IL; and by a sister, Sarah Crane Calhoun of Stone Mountain GA.

Contributions may be made to: the music suite at Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond VA 23229; or to the National World War II Memorial, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 501, Arlington VA 22201 (800)639-4992; or to The Alzheimer's Association.

His body was donated, at his request, to the Medical College of Virginia for scientific research. A memorial service was held Thursday, January 11, at 1 p.m. at Second Baptist Church sanctuary. The family received friends after the service in Spence Hall at the church.