Michael K. Crane

Michael K. Crane passed away on March 27, 2025 at 81 years of age. He was born on November 14, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in San Antonio before moving to New Orleans to attend Loyola University. There, he was a member of Beggars Fraternity and earned a Bachelor in Business Administration. In this time of changing jobs frequently, Michael was an anomaly. His entire career of nearly 42 years was spent in the service of one company, Stewart Enterprises, Inc.

While a student at Loyola, he took a weekend summer job at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery answering calls and assisting sales professionals with their leads. He became a full-time sales counselor in 1964. Over the next four decades, he advanced through multiple positions - sales group manager, sales director, preneed sales director, and vice president of sales at Stewart Enterprises. He was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including recognition as the top salesperson in the country by the Prearrangement Interment Association of America and its Counselor of the Year five years in a row. He was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. As his career advanced, Michael moved into the executive ranks of Stewart Enterprises ultimately becoming President of the Central Division, the position he held until retiring in 2005.

Michael was a genuine southern gentleman to all who knew him. He was a devout Catholic and most recently a parishioner of St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington. In his retirement, he enjoyed many pursuits, including golfing, swimming, traveling and the outdoors. He was a long suffering and loyal Saints fan. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and grand dogs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John M. Crane and Julia “Judy” Brown Crane, and brother, Jon Stephen Crane.

Michael was a loving, generous and devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Kogos Crane; daughter, Emily Michelle Crane; sons, Michael Keith Crane, Jr., Allan Charles Crane (Marjorie), and Jeffrey Rene Crane (Janet); grandchildren, Paul and Judy Crane; and brother, Warren Patrick Crane.

The family gives a heartfelt thank you to Ochsner Health System, particularly St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, Dr. Craig Seicshnaydre, and the exemplary skilled and compassionate 3rd floor care team.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at12:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Metairie Cemetery in All Saints Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Michael’s Special School,1522 Chippewa St., New Orleans, LA 70130 or Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Ave., Mobile, AL 36604.

To share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family, please visit the online guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com.