Hugh Crane

Hugh W. Crane, age 70, of Harrisburg, passed away at 7:10am on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Saline Care Center in Harrisburg. Hugh was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on December 25, 1941, the son of Hugh B. and Grace M. (Wesche) Crane. He married Kathy Jent in Marion on September 27, 1975. She survives. Before the age of eighteen, Hugh joined the ROTC. He studied at DeVry University in Chicago. He served as a member of faculty at Milwaukee School of Engineering and also a member of faculty and engineering instructor at Control Data Technical Institute in Chicago. Mr. Crane served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Engineering Officer of American Rail Heritage, Ltd for Crab Orchard and Egyptian Railroad. He was the author of Engineering Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Descriptive Geometry/Theory and Application. He spent time as a guest lecturer, transportation and freight, at SIUC. Hugh was named Industrialist of the Year by Marion Chamber of Commerce. His transportation achievements were recognized in the US Congressional Record by previous US Senator, Paul Simon. Mr. Crane served as Vice-President of Lake of Egypt Property Owners Association and was the recipient of the Sam Walton Community Business Leader Award. In his lifetime, Mr. Crane achieved much success. Hugh was a former member of the American Regional and Short Line Railroad Association; American Railway Engineering Association; American Railroad Development Association; Rotary International, REDCO; Illinois Live Steamers, Chicago; Milwaukee Light Engineering Society and is listed in the Who’s Who in America publication. Survivors include his wife- Kathy Jent of Marion Son- Steven Crane of Chicago Daughter and Son-in-law- Katie and Christopher Reed of Murphysboro Sister- Ruth Thorne of Midlothian, IL Nephew- Bruce and Cathy Thorne of West Dundee, IL Niece- Chris and Grace Winston of Oak Park, IL Great Nephews- Brent Thorne and Cassidy Winston Great Niece- Tarah Thorne He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law- Carl and Doris (Crane) Jochens; Nephew- Charles Jochens; and Brother-in-law- Edward Thorne. As per his wishes, Hugh will be cremated. Memorial services will be held at a later date, this spring, at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with memorial arrangements. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Illinois Audubon Society. Envelopes will be available or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959.