LT. Colonel (USAF Ret) Robert "Bob" Morris Crane

Lt. Colonel (USAF Ret) Robert ‘Bob’ Morris Crane passed away peacefully at McLeod Hospice House on July 12, 2023, with his family by his side. Born November 7, 1937, in Loma Linda California. 

He is survived by his children, Nancy (Ben) Barlass, Merry Crane, Jeff (Hope) Crane.  Grandchildren:  Ruth (Michael) Norris, Andrew Barlass, Samuel (Jenny) Barlass, David Barlass, and Isabel Crane.  Great-Grandchildren:  Timi Norris and Esther Barlass. Sisters:  Dianne Crane Summerville, Barabara Crane Bergholtz of California, and brother Gary Kuebler of Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carroll Crane, and Bernice Kuebler.  His beloved wife Maida Ann Crane, his son Robbie Crane, and a brother Larry Crane.

Bob is a Veteran of the Vietnam War.  He had a distinguished career in the service of his country, and it reflects a great credit to himself and the United States Air Force. He enlisted as an aviation cadet and was promoted through the ranks to Lt. Colonel before retiring in 1979. Initially he was a basic pilot then he was promoted to Command pilot.  He also received his Jump Wings.  Due to his outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness and success to the Air Force’s outstanding success during the missions he flew during the War, he was recognized by his superiors with the following Honors:  Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal (4), Air Medal (17), Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity service Ribbon, Air Force Small Arms Expert Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Command Pilot Wings, Senior Pilot Wings, Basic Pilot Wings and Jump Wings. 

Bob felt a duty to his country to enlist and fight in a war so that his children and grandchildren’s generations wouldn’t have to. 

He and his beloved Ann were married on February 14, 1961.  He remained loyal and completely devoted to her throughout their marriage.  They raised four children together and were loving grandparents.  Both were Christians and involved with their local church and various ministries.  They were involved with International Missionaries, and both were leaders in CEF, Child Evangelism Fellowship hosting back yard Good News Club and spreading the gospel of Jesus to all who would listen.  Both Bob and Ann were avid readers, they competed against each other daily in their own game of Acey Ducey, where Bob won most of their married life.  They loved to entertain in their home and always welcomed you with smiles and hugs. The one thing Bob loved talking about was flying airplanes.  

His Military service can be attributed to his duty as a public servant.  He continued his flying career as a Civil Air Patrol Pilot in both California and Florida as well as a Flight Instructor.  In between his duties serving in the Air Force, he became an EMT while living in a rural area in Texas. After being a volunteer with the local First Responders, he decided to retire from the Air Force and to go to college and obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  As a registered nurse he was the Department Head for the Emergency Room in Los Angeles, California.  Eventually, he became an agency nurse and he and his wife traveled to various locations for him to work as an emergency department nurse.

Always feeling the pull to Civic duty, after Bob retired from his nursing career, he became Assistant Deputy Coroner in Reno Nevada. Eventually they moved to California to care for his mom, and there he re-joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).  A move to Kissimmee Florida came in the early 2000’s, there he joined the CAP as well as becoming a flight instructor of small engine planes. Anyone who knew him knew that his love for flying was comparable to his love for his wife Ann.

He was the definition of humility, always serving in any capacity without the need for accolades or affirmations. His faith in His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ never wavered and just as he had a passion for flying so was his passion for others to know Christ.  His life is worthy of imitation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Burroughs Funeral Home, family will receive friends immediately following the service.

A Committal Service, with full military honors, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 15, 2023, at Florence National Cemetery in Florence, SC.

In lieu of flowers and to continue his legacy of honor, integrity, humility, and his passion for Civic duty, we ask that you may consider a donation to: 

Patriot PAWS Service Dogs

(Non-Profit organization providing service dogs to Veterans free of charge)

254 Ranch Trail

Rockwall, TX  75032

www.patriotpaws.org

Online condolences may be made at www.bfhbennettsville.com

Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the Crane family.

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