John Hudson Crane, Jr.

John Hudson Crane, Jr., 67, passed away gracefully at his home on January 4, 2012. He was born on January 23, 1944 in Houston, Texas. He grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, then attended high school in Park Forest, IL and New Buffalo, MI, graduating from New Buffalo in 1962. He attended Western Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science and Psychology and a Masters degree in Earth Science.

Teaching was his avocation and passion. He planned to be a teacher when he was in 5 ^th grade. He began his career at Orchard View, teaching there one year. The next 28 years were spent teaching Middle School science and Physical Education at Lakewood Public Schools, Lake Odessa, MI. He continued on at Lakewood as a Para Professional for 14 years after retiring from full time teaching. During his entire career he also taught many after school enrichment classes, particularly chess, which was another passion. He never tired of the students and considered his career in education and the ability to help his students learn and grow to be his greatest achievements in life. He retired from Lakewood in February of 2011.

John had many interests and hobbies, including water skiing, in which he excelled, bicycling, body building, canoeing, camping, cross country skiing, and hiking. In high school he participated in football and track. His sprinting ability earned him the nickname "Rocket" at New Buffalo High School. His other hobbies included astronomy, birding, photography, and celestial navigation.

In June of 1971, he married his wife of 40 years, Kathleen (Dorman) Crane. They shared many of the same interests and pursuits and were a compliment to each other.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, sister Judith Koontz, brother Randall (Cindy) Crane, stepmother Madeline Crane, stepsisters Lyn (Chuck) Zilch and Judy (Dick) Weir, nieces Suzanne Dorman, Kristine (Dorman) McCombs, Madeline and Morgan Crane, nephews John Koontz, William Crane, and Michael (Shannan) and Lewis Dorman.

He was preceded in death by his mother Edwinna Jarrard Crane, father John H. Crane, Sr., and stepmother Joan Owens Crane.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions:
John H. Crane Memorial Chess Fund
C/O Hastings Public Library

227 E. State St.
Hastings, MI  49058

Memorial Visitation and Service:
January 21, 2012
Visitation:  2:00 pm until 3:00 pm
Memorial Service:  3:00 pm
Girrbach Funeral Home
328 South Broadway
Hastings, MI.