Crane, Charles Ray 1924-2007

CRANE, HUGHES, WORTHINGTON, CLARK

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/20/2008 at 15:46:43

Charles Ray Crane was born on May 23, 1924, on a farm near Pleasantville, the son of Jim and Lena (Hughes) Crane.

Charles attended Willow Grove Country School in Marion County as a boy. He then went on to attend Pleasantville High School where he graduated in 1940, graduating five days after his 16th birthday, this making him the youngest person to graduate from Pleasantville High School. He then went on to attend 4 C's, taking a secretarial course.

Charles enlisted in the United States Army on March 12, 1943, at Camp Dodge. He was honorably discharged May 25, 1943, due to the need for farmers. Charles was a farmer all his life, retiring in 1988.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Lea Worthington at the Christian Church in Pleasantville on Oct. 24, 1945. Shirley passed away Nov. 26, 1987. Charles was later united in marriage to Jeanie Clark at the Church of Christ in Pleasantville on Dec. 3, 1989.

He enjoyed the mountains of Colorado, fishing, hunting, collecting guns and time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charles was known for being a bit mischievous with a great sense of humor. He was a member of the Fairview Church of Christ and the Pleasantville American Legion.

Charles passed away on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at the Knoxville Hospital at the age of 83.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Shirley and a daughter, Teresa VanWyk. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie; sons, Neil (Cynthia) Crane of Pleasantville, Val (Donita) Crane of Show Low, Ariz.; 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Gene (Maxine) Crane of Pleasant Hill; and a sister, Beverly Carpenter Wilson of Ankeny.

A Funeral Service was held at Mason Funeral Home in Pleasantville with Pastor John Claussen officiating. Interment was in the Pleasantville Cemetery in Pleasantville. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Fairview Christian Church or Hospice of Central Iowa.

The Knoxville Journal Express, December 10, 2007