William (Bill) Marion Crane, 84, of Ossian, Indiana passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, while on a trip in Cancun, Mexico, surrounded in love by his family. Bill will be remembered for his steady spirit, lively humor, dedicated service, and deep devotion to his family. Bill was born on February 17, 1941, in Ossian, Indiana, to Chester (Chet) V. Crane and Genevieve H. (Gloy) Tarlton. Bill was only 11 years old when his father, Chet, passed away, and he went on to form a special bond with his stepfather, Lloyd Tarlton. Lloyd was an extraordinary man who became not only a guiding presence in Bill’s life, but also one of his closest friends. He also shared a close and loving relationship with his siblings, Jack W. Hamman and Charlotte J. Willson.
Bill graduated from Ossian High School in 1959 where he was a proud member of the Bears basketball team, and attended Huntington College where he was a catcher on the baseball team. He went on to build a thriving and dynamic career as an entrepreneur in the freight business. After retiring, he followed a longtime dream by opening Crane’s Drive-In in Ossian in 2010, a venture that reflected both his passion and love for the community. Bill was a person who loved gathering around the table; whether it was for a home-cooked meal, a chat about local sports, hosting the annual Thanksgiving meal or an animated game of cards.
Bill was a licensed pilot who found joy in the skies, and on the ground he loved fishing (particularly at Rice Lake in Canada), bowling, and watching basketball (his beloved Indiana Hoosiers), and baseball (especially cheering on the New York Yankees). Few things made him prouder than cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting events and activities. Most importantly, Bill was a faithful servant of the Lord and a dedicated, active member of Uniontown Church of Christ for 68 years, where he served as a faithful deacon, elder, and Chairman of the Board. He believed wholeheartedly in the good news of the Cross and led others to Christ through his example and selfless service.
Bill is survived by the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Karen S. (Quackenbush) Crane, along with his two daughters, Cami (Gregg) Markley and Carla (Jim) Patten. He was a proud grandfather to Chelsea (John) Peresie, Wade (Lauren) Markley, Noah (Rachel) Patten, Abigail Markley, and Jonah Patten. Nothing brought Bill greater joy than spending time with his great-grandchildren, the light of his life, James, Jack, Beau, Charlotte, Cameron, Paisley, Josie, Simon, Shepherd, Florian and Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his beloved in-laws, Raymond (Jack) and Lura Quackenbush.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Myers Funeral Home, Markle Chapel, 415 N Lee St., Markle, Indiana.
Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Uniontown Church of Christ, 11419 N. 200 W., Ossian, Indiana, there will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the Church.
Interment will take place in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Ossian, Indiana.
Memorial donations can be made out to Woodburn Christian Children's Home or LAM (Latin American Ministries) both in care of Myers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 403, Markle, IN 46770.
"For those coming to the Markle Chapel for the Visitation, Lee Street is under construction, but access to all areas of the Funeral Home is available. Thanks for your understanding."
