Robert “Bob” McKenzie Crane, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away January 12, 2020 at the age of 99. He was born March 12, 1920 in Dallas, Texas to Mr. and Mrs. Claude O. Crane. Bob was especially known for his keen intellect, his humble and exceptionally kind heart, and his wonderful sense of humor. He was a talented and devoted research engineer having been elected into the Professional Engineers of Texas in March of 1977. He graduated from Texas A&M University. He nearly finished his Masters in Engineering when a baby seemed to require securing a job. He held 6 patents in oil well design, one of which received an international award. He was an extremely hard worker. It was rumored it took 5 men to replace him when he retired. He was a talented photographer loving portrait photography best. He was also an excellent car mechanic servicing all the cars for the family. As a mechanical engineer who also taught himself electrical engineering, he could fix anything. Bob served in the Army for 4 years, 3 of which were during WWII in Europe, including the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged with the rank of captain in 1946. Bob was a great example to his children. He did not preach how one should live; he just led by example. All his children know to never give up on anything, to love unconditionally, and to always see the very best in those around you. Bob lived a Christ-centered life, devoted to living as the Savior would have him live. If the Savior was here on the earth standing next to Bob, it would be very difficult to tell them apart. He would help anybody with anything, often neglecting his own needs. He was a member of the Lake Highlands Baptist Church. He and his wife Joan of 66 years, spent many hours nursing friends and relatives through difficult and lonely illnesses, never once thinking of themselves. When his wife was required to live in a nursing facility for a year and a half, Bob stayed night and day with her sleeping in a very stiff chair. He gave his vacation every year for seven years to take his disabled son-in-law and daughter’s family on a two-week vacation. We would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Allen Lee Crane for his many years of constant devotion to his dad, driving dad to innumerable doctor appointments and staying with him every day all day at the nursing home for many years. He took dad out nearly every day to do something fun. Thank you, Pat, for your generous attitude to allow Allen so much time away from home. Larry and JoAnn also, while both living out of town, flew in often to visit dad and add to his care. Bob is survived by his brother Tad Crane of Farmington, New Mexico; son Allen Lee Crane and wife Pat of Garland, Texas; daughter JoAnn Hansen Narus, M.D. her husband Scott of Salt Lake City, Utah; son Larry Lynn Crane of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Grandchildren Hutch (McKenzie) Crane of Dallas, Texas; Chris Crane of Dallas, Texas; Matt Hansen and wife Mirna and their children Ryder and Charlotte of Salt Lake City; Shelley Croft and husband Jason, and their children Will, Cannon, and Ella of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Joseph Narus of Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held on Friday, January 17, from 7-9 p.m. at Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Highlands Baptist Church, 642 Brookhurst, Dallas. Rev. Mark Farish, officiating. Interment Restland Memorial Park.
