Gregory Joel Crane, 48, of La Grange died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 5 in Modesto.
He was born in Sacramento. Mr. Crane was a native of California, spending most of his youth in Empire. He attended schools at Empire and received his GED from Downey High School. He also earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
He was employed by Mariposa County as a Facilities Maintenance Manager. Before this job, he worked for many years at Frito Lay and Proctor and Gamble.
Born to a family of continual music, he loved classic country songs. He loved playing fast-pitch softball, golfing with friends Bob and Steve, bowling with Terry, fishing and trap shooting with Sledge. His greatest joy was the onset of hockey season.
He will be remembered as a kind man with a big heart who was well-loved by all. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy of La Grange; his parents, Jerry and Charlene McMillian; brother, Woody Crane; sister, Kris Giffith; aunt, Judy Reta, and uncle, Bob; uncle, Decker and Donna Crane; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Crane.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Plainsburg Cemetery in Le Grand.
Stratford Evans Funeral Home, Merced, in charge of arrangements.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Aug. 12, 2009
