Donald ‘Donnie’ Crane Jr., 79, of Judah, Indiana, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Donnie was a 1964 graduate of Oolitic High School. Donnie married the love of his life, Patti Davis, in June of 1964. Thus began their 60-year journey together, building a family of three daughters, six granddaughters, and nine great-grandchildren.
Donnie started work in high school as a butcher at Smitty’s until beginning a career at General Motors in 1965. Donnie completed his apprenticeship as a tool and die maker and later became the tool room supervisor. He retired after 44 years of dedicated service.
Donnie was an avid shooter. He enjoyed hunting and trialing Patti’s latest baked goods. He was happiest spending hours in his woodworking shop, pondering his latest mathematical problem, and imparting wisdom to his numerous daughters and granddaughters. He was a devout Christian.
Donnie is survived by his daughter Tricia Crane, Bedford; his daughter and son-in-law Debbie and JR Crane; his daughter and son-in-law Savannah (Eric) Koronka; granddaughters Kayla (Corey) Ikerd, Jessica (Christopher) Cornell, Hanna (Chase) Wagner, Alexzandra (Tyler) Kovacs, Whitley (Chris) Hanson, Courtney (Vance) Fletcher; 9 great-grandchildren, Allyson Mundy, Colt and Charley Ikerd, Abigail and Annabelle Cornell, Stella Kovacs, Phoenix and Piper Wagner, and CJ Hanson, Sisters Mary (Steve) McCain and Sherry Cobb.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Patti Crane; his parents, Donald and Ruth Crane Sr.; and his sister, Linda Luchini.
Funeral services will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24th, in the Elmwood Chapel of Day & Carter Mortuary, with Kim Wright officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service on Thursday at the Day & Carter Mortuary.
Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
