Mr. Douglas Crane, 71, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Monday morning, November 4, 2019, in the comfort of his home.
Doug entered this life on May 21, 1948, in East Chicago, Indiana, son of the late Richard “Dick” and Edwana (Kroll) Crane. He was a lifelong area resident and a 1966 graduate of Joplin High School. He furthered his education at MSSC, receiving an Associate Degree in Technology.
On September 11, 1967, Doug was united in marriage to Mary Iris Howard and to this union one son was born. Together they shared 51 years of marriage before her passing on January 14, 2019.
Doug served his country faithfully in the United States Air Force while stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. During his professional career, he was employed by McDonald’s, Bill Lowe’s Auto, Cummins Diesel, where he worked as a mechanic for 13 years, and 19 years with the Joplin R-VIII School District in the maintenance department. After his first retirement, Doug continued working for Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary and the City of Duquesne for 13 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin and also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Doug served his country faithfully in the United States Air Force while stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. During his professional career, he was employed by McDonald’s, Bill Lowe’s Auto, Cummins Diesel, where he worked as a mechanic for 13 years, and 19 years with the Joplin R-VIII School District in the maintenance department. After his first retirement, Doug continued working for Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary and the City of Duquesne for 13 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin and also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Doug was known as “The Banjo Man” as he had a great love and talent for making banjos. He mastered his craft, building custom banjos from start to finish in his shop, and shipped them to customers all over the U.S. Doug also played his banjos at various music festivals and local attractions, including Silver Dollar City. He enjoyed spending his free time fishing and visiting with friends. Doug was a true family man and he dearly loved his wife and his son, Danny. He never knew a stranger and his friendly demeanor will be missed by all who knew him.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jim Crane; and his wife, Mary Crane.
Survivors include his son, Danny Crane, of the home; his brother, Mark Crane, of the State of Florida; as well as a host of extended family and many friends.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri, with Father Joe Weidenbenner officiating. Full military honors will follow. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Knights of Columbus.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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