Charles LeRoy Crane, 80, a long time resident of Topeka and Coffeyville, died Saturday, July 8, 2006 in Kansas City, MO. Mr. Crane was born on December 24, 1925 in Carneiro, KS, the son of William Roy and Iris Kindt Crane. He graduated from the Osawatomie Public Schools, received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Pittsburg State University in 1951 and a Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University in 1961. Mr. Crane received his lifetime Kansas Teaching Certificate in 1954 and taught in the Lyndon Public Schools, Topeka Public Schools and retired after 26 years of service in the Shawnee Heights School District in 1988.

He was a golf, football, wrestling and girls softball coach for many years. In his retirement he enjoyed golf memberships at area golf courses, tutoring math students at Field Kindley H.S. in Coffeyville and spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Crane was a WWII Veteran and a member of the Arab Shrine Temple, American Legion Capital Post No. 1 and the US Navy Armed Guards.

Mr. Crane married Frankie Dea Wade on May 25, 1952 in Lyndon. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2002 and grandson, C.J. Crane in 2001. Mr. Crane is survived by a daughter, Jacki Leftwich Hunt of Kansas City, MO, a daughter and son-in-law, Geri and Steve Turvey of Topeka, sons and daughter-in-laws, Duncan and Kris Crane of Coffeyville, W.R. and Nan Crane of Parkville, MO; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Mr. Crane's memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2006 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel located at S.E. 29th and Minnesota Ave. A special message may be given to the family at www.PenwellGabel.com.