Howard ‘Preacher’ Crane
Howard “Preacher” Crane, 91, of Olmsted, and formerly of Cairo, died at 1:37 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, surrounded by his family.
He was born on June 7, 1930, in Columbus, Ky., the son of Richmond and Mae Burton Crane.
He worked for Illinois Waterways in Birds Point, Mo., and was a farmer and produce man for over 60 years. He owned and operated the Highway Market in Cairo.
Mr. Crane was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 237 as a 3rd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Kim Shrine Club (Cairo) and wore his cap proudly. He was a former member of VFW Post No. 2649 and the Cairo Elks Club.
His life was full of joy and adventure. At the young age of 14, he “hoboed a train” to California and worked in the red woods.
On the way home, he met a family of ranchers in North Platte, Neb., and worked on the ranch for almost a year.
In the 1960s, he had a bit part as the chicken truck driver in a movie filmed in Southeast Missouri while working for Reeves Feed Mill.
Often times he was a barber, dentist, minister and watermelon painter. Later in life, he enjoyed raising his tomatoes and sitting with his little dog Gitmo.
Many people wondered why he was known as Preacher. When he began to talk, his father said he was always rambling and told grandma, “we got ourselves a little preacher.”
He never met a stranger and no matter where he went someone always knew him. He was always there to help anyone in need with a smile on his face. To so many people he was a friend, but to his kids he was Daddy.
Howard “Preacher” Crane was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, in 2013; by his parents, Mae and Richmond; two sisters and three brothers.
He leaves four children, Carol Bourland (Tom Crawford) of Temple, Ga., Lynnie (Shanna) Crane of Olmsted, Sheila (Bill) Stout of Olmsted and Anthony Crane of Georgia; nine grandchildren, Christy (Davey) Loew, Jamie (Shayna) Crowley, Brandy (Charles) Johnson, Jennifer Clanahan, Marc (Susan) Stout, Jessica Crane, Tyler (Katelyn) Crane, McKenzie Crane and Bailey Crane; 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Howard “Preacher” Crane were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. The Rev. Buddy Walls and hospice chaplain Ivan Ryan officiated. Masonic rites were held at 12:45 p.m.
Interment followed in the Smith Cemetery in Olmsted.
The family sent a special thank you to Residential Healthcare Group (Hospice) in Marion for the loving care given to Preacher in his time of need.
To sign the online guestbook, visit www.jones-funeral.com.
Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge was in charge of arrangements.