Gary O. Crane of Leslie, MO died peacefully, at home on Dec., 15th, 2010, at the age of 71 after an extended illness.

Gary was a school teacher at Niedringhaus Elementary School in Granite City, Illinois until his retirement. He worked as a meat cutter in the St. Louis area for many years.

He received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from SIU Edwardsville He served in the United States Marine Corps, loved horses, music, soccer and was a proud member of the Missouri Civil War Reenactors Association of the 10th Missouri Cavalry and the Holmes Brigade.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 12 years, Joan Crane nee Brauer; beloved father of Alison Crane, Nathan Crane and wife Silynthia and Heather Russell and husband Matthew all of Granite City, Il. and Wendy Weight and husband Curtis of Greenville, CA.; grandfather of 12; great-grandfather of 8; dear brother of Shirley Boneau and husband John, Gale Crane and wife Ruth and Harley Crane all of Granite City, IL and Robert Crane of Texas; dear uncle, cousin, relative and friend. He is preceded in death by his brother Donald Crane and two sisters Dorothy Shuppert and Peggy Bly.