Jack Marvin Crane

Jack Marvin Crane died peacefully December 21, 2023. He was 98. The son of Joseph and Florence Crane, Jack was raised with his four older siblings in the historic Wichita neighborhood of Riverside, attending Riverside Elementary, John Marshall Junior High, and graduating from North High in 1944. He went on to serve with the U.S. Army during WWII and attend the University of Wichita. Jack had a remarkable and full life. His father ran the Miller Theater in Wichita and Jack helped there with stage productions. He later worked in television and radio production, including a job setting field props for artillery fire for the movie Battle Circus. Jack met and married the love of his life Caroline “Cally” Braunagel in Wichita. They both had careers in the Civil Service, enjoyed traveling to discover new places, and renovated and brought new life to the many homes they owned over the years. In the Civil Service, Jack worked as an electrician, first at hospitals, then as an electrical engineering technician with the U.S. Army at Fort Dietrich, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Fort Carson, Ent AFB, and in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After retiring from the government, Jack and Cally bought an old set of shops and opened a grocery store in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. Eventually they returned to Kansas. An accomplished baritone horn player, Jack loved marching band music that he would hum along with on playlists he created. He also loved the intricacy of anything electrical, and was the designated family photographer with a large collection of film and digital images. Above all, Jack loved his family. His many surviving nieces, nephews, and extended family across the country treasure the times spent with Aunt Cally and Uncle Jack. He is remembered especially for his wit, wisdom, and self-assurance. In addition to Cally, his wife of 69 years, Jack was predeceased by his siblings Ralph, Edwin, Larry, and Ruth. Private family services have been held. In lieu of flowers, recognizing veterans would honor Jack’s memory. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.