Charles Howard Crane was surrounded by family, friends and much love when he went home to his Lord on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Born in Dallas, TX, on September 19, 1941, to Millie Halfpenny and Aaron Crane, Charles was lovingly raised and supported by stepfather, Robert Halfpenny. Together with sisters, Louise Halfpenny and Ruth Gibson, and brother, Robert Halfpenny Jr., Charles enjoyed a diverse and loving family life.
A graduate of Bryan Adams High School (’60), Charles proudly served in the United States Navy (’60-64) aboard the USS Midway, where he sailed the world and discovered a love for electronics that would span the rest of his life. Upon completion of his service, Charles wed Anita Ward and attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering (’68). During this time, he lovingly adopted Gary Crane (Stark) and Nancy Crane (Stark) and, together with Anita, fathered a son Russell Crane.
After a short time in Florida, where he worked at both Harris Corp. and Radiation Corp., Charles and family moved back to East Texas and settled in Greenville. Charles spent over 20 years at E-Systems and his career took him across the globe numerous times. Charles retired from Raytheon in 1996.
As an avid golfer, Charles was at home on the course at Oak Creek Country Club, where he made countless friends, a few hole-in-ones and too many 3-putts. Charles also loved building and flying remote controlled (RC) aircraft while enjoying fellowship with the members of the Richardson Radio Control Club, where he once served as club secretary.
Later in life, Charles reconnected with his first love and high school sweetheart, Shirley Gwynn Silvey, and they were married in 2009. Charles was welcomed into Shirley’s family and was proud to be close friends and stepfather to Jeff Rubinett, Arthur Rubinett, Tracy Sutton, Deidra Klemm and their precious families. Charles converted to the Jewish faith and was a member of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas.
Charles is survived by his first wife Anita Ward Crane, son Gary Crane and wife Alison, daughter Nancy Crane, son Russell Crane and wife Ann, stepson Jeff Rubinett, stepson Arthur Rubinett and wife Marsha, stepdaughter Tracy Sutton and husband Kent, stepdaughter Deidra Klemm, 13 grandchildren (Daniel, Casey, Kate, Meredith, Elizabeth, Michael, Andrew, Mollie, William, Savannah, Josh, Kennedy, and Kathryn), sister Louise Halfpenny, sister Ruth Gibson and husband Roger, and brother Robert Halfpenny Jr. and wife Angie. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley, mother Millie Halfpenny, father Aaron Crane, stepfather Robert Halfpenny and son-in-law Jason Klemm.
Charles will forever be loved and missed by his many friends and family, who also fondly remember him as one 'Jose Jimenez'.
A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanu-El on Tuesday, April 17, at 3:15PM, with a reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Stroke Association, or charity/organization of your choice.
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