Travis Rory Acheson Crane

Travis Rory Acheson Crane, 52, passed away at his home in Raleigh on the afternoon of April 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 8, 1973, he was the third of four children of Dunton and Luella Crane.

Travis spent his childhood and early adult years in Raleigh before heading west to Colorado in search of adventure. After attending East Carolina University, he and his good friend Jim set out for a new chapter. Colorado quickly became his second home, where he embraced the outdoors, hiking in the mountains, attending Colorado Rockies games, and spending time with a close-knit group of friends he considered family. Many cherished memories were made at concerts at Red Rocks and backyard gatherings filled with laughter and music.

Although Travis met his wife, JeLynn, at ECU, their love story truly flourished in Colorado. They were married in Morrison, surrounded by the beauty they both loved. After starting their own family, they returned to Raleigh in 2008. Travis built a meaningful career with the City of Raleigh, dedicating many years to the Planning Department.

Travis had a passion for cooking, music, and sports. He was also an avid collector of music and sports memorabilia, taking great pride in the pieces he gathered over the years. A devoted fan of the Carolina Hurricanes and the Colorado Avalanche, his playlists reflected his wide-ranging taste in music, from being a true Deadhead to proudly embracing his inner Swiftie. His listening also often featured favorites like Widespread Panic and Phish. He had a remarkable ear for music, able to name a song within just a few beats, and was known for his quick wit and sharp sense of humor that brought laughter to those around him. He found joy in simple pleasures, from tending his vegetable garden and, for a brief time, caring for a small flock of ducks. In later years, he especially treasured time spent at home, surrounded by friends and family.

Above all, Travis was a devoted husband and an incredible father. His children were his greatest pride and joy. Some of his most cherished moments were watching them graduate from high school and begin their college journeys. He was an all-in hockey dad who loved commentating on Carson’s games with funny anecdotes and celebrating every goal with unmatched enthusiasm. He loved deeply, laughed often, and never missed an opportunity to tease his sisters, or anyone, with his quick wit and playful spirit.

He is survived by his beloved wife, JeLynn; daughter, Avery; son, Carson; mother, Luella Crane; sisters Holly Crane Watkins (Keith), Kelly Crane McDonald (Patrick), and Kristin Crane; father-in-law Bruce Kaplan; mother-in-law Lexa Kaplan; sister-in-law Kara Ruisi (Pete); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dunton Crane.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 20, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Southport Innovation Center, 951 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560. Friends and family are invited to stop by, share a drink, and honor his memory together.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Travis’s healthcare team for their compassionate care and support throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Saint Baldrick’s Foundation in support of childhood cancer, www.StBaldricks.org/participants/HonoringTravis

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Crane family,