Gary Wade Crane

Gary Wade Crane, age 54, passed away at his home around December 23rd, 2011. He was born April 7th, 1957, in Austin, Texas, at the old Saint David’s Hospital. He lived his whole life in Austin, dedicated to the educational environment.

Gary graduated from Crockett High School in South Austin and continued in his education to earn a Master’s Degree in Math from Southwest Texas State University. He began teaching Math courses at Austin Community College while working at the State of Texas as an Actuary. He was a professor of Math, Physics, and Astronomy, at ACC and DeVry University after retiring from the State.

Gary began to lift weights competitively in high school and earned several novice records. This passion for body building continued until his death. He also enjoyed the lake and owned a Sea-doo, which he took out nearly every weekend. Additionally, he enjoyed having birds around and kept several of them in his home at any given time. Gary was a member and participant in worship and social programs at three Churches of Christ: Southside, Southwest, and Westover Hills.

Gary is survived by his parents, John W. and Marjorie “Bo” Haas Crane, his brother, J.W. and his wife Shannon Crane, his nephew John-Mark Crane and his wife Jody Bell, his niece, Judith and her husband Randle Martin, as well as friends and other family members.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2012 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.

Honoring Gary as pallbearers will be David Howard, Chris Damron, Kent Conlan, Charlie Kerr, Ward Wolfram, Bruce Scholtz, Kelly Logan and Bill Huck.

In honor of Gary’s love of children, the family requests contributions to be made to the Ronald McDonald House in lieu of flowers.