On January 24th Kristan Crane passed from this life into the next. He led a full life and influenced many people, both adults and children, in profound ways. He was married to Marcia M Crane for sixty-two fulfilling years until her passing in 2020.

For most of his adult life Kristan was a band director. First in St. Joseph, Illinois, and then in 1965, he and his family moved to Akron, Ohio where he was a band director in the Akron Public Schools developing lifelong friends and colleagues until his retirement in 1996. During this time, he was well known for his exemplary High School and Middle School Bands where he led our youth to many accolades while showing them the joy of music in their lives. In addition to this long and successful career, Kristan Crane directed the Cuyahoga Falls Community Band and the Akron Pops Orchestra. In his retirement, he played French horn for the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kristan was also active in Scouting. He served as band director for multiple Boy Scout National Jamborees, enjoyed the role of Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 152 located at First United Methodist Church, and sang in the adult choir at the church.

He leaves behind his children Randall Crane (Erin), Russell Crane (Elizabeth) and Gwenna Neal (Tracy). He also leaves behind Grandchildren Benjamin, Zachary, William, Frances, Victoria, Sawyer, Kristan, and Annah as well as 6 Great Grandchildren who all have loved him and will miss him greatly. Five of these grandchildren also had the experience of private instrumental lessons with their grandad.

Please join us at First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls Saturday, February 21 at 11:00 AM to memorialize and celebrate Kristan’s wonderful and productive life. Reception line begins at 10:30 AM.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1907 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223 (Billow FALLS Chapel)