Gene Carlton Crane

Gene C. Crane, 87, of Florence, AL died August 10, 2025. Survivors include his beloved wife of over 65 years, Ann H. Crane; son, Ben Crane (Kim) and daughter, Genna DeGroote (Brad); grandchildren, Ryan (Jessie), Corey and Ian Crane and Anna, Parker and Amy DeGroote; great granddaughter, Charlotte Crane; cherished Crane Family nieces, nephews and cousins; granddaughters by grace Ally Mote and Gracie Williams. Preceding him in death were his parents James E. and Laverne Crane, brother James A. Crane and wife Georgia, dear daughter-in-law Mary Jen Crane.

Born in Hartselle, AL Gene graduated from Decatur (AL) High School in 1956. A state record-holder for many years in 100-yard dash, basketball player and a standout Red Raider halfback, he is remembered by one of his teammates as "a leader and inspiration". Auburn was his college choice, and he was an avid Auburn Tiger fan and a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, spending many late-night hours playing Bridge with Housemother "Miss Lilly" (Jimmy Carter's mother). He graduated in 1961 as a Mechanical Engineer and later became a Professional Licensed Engineer. He and Ann were married in March, 1960 and moved to Florence in April, 1961 after he was employed as a draftsman in the TVA Design Branch. Five years later he was made Manager of C and H Engineers, Inc. In 1971 he assumed the roles of company owner and contractor, retiring in March 2006, having sold the company to key employees. During his tenure C and H received the 1993 Florence Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award in the Building and Construction category. His memberships included the Florence Civitan Club, AL Association of General Contractors, Chamber of Commerce and he was a staunch supporter of United Way.

A Christian, Gene was a life-long member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) serving in the Florence church as Deacon, Elder, Chairman of the Board and Trustee. For years he faithfully nursed the church's temperamental furnace and tended to the cooling system. Family and friends will remember him as a man of strength, vision, wisdom and uncommon common sense; generous with his time, skills and possessions; always thankful and devoted to family, friends and church; a mentor who held a strong work ethic and valued both his co-workers and customers; a patriotic flag-pin wearer; a Mr. Fix-it--from broken toys to cranky cars.

Among Gene's pleasures were all things HOME, including repair work, yard work (mowing, tomato and zinnia growing, rock moving), and years of Saturday Playtimes there with the Grands; family getaways to Callaway Gardens, Disney World (and Cruises), Doublehead, Watercolor; crappie fishing at Waterloo with longtime buddies-- often using jigs he had tied--and the family fish fries that followed; traveling the USA and in numerous foreign countries, often with Carrier Air Conditioning associates; all sports as both player and enthusiastic fan.

Let it be said of Gene that he was a good man who worked hard, enjoyed life and loved well.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday August 15, 2025 at First Christian Church, Florence, Pastor Pat Parvin and Dr. Carl Gebhardt officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers are Ryan, Corey and Ian Crane, Parker DeGroote, Allyn Crane and Charles Wallace. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Blasingame and Barry Morris. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Gardens. Memorial gifts may be made to Florence First Christian Church, 700 N. Wood Ave, Florence, AL 35630 or United Way of Northwest AL, 205 College St., Florence, AL 35630.

 The family appreciated the compassion and support of Hospice of North AL caregivers and of ElderCare Services personnel.

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