John Samuel Crane

Funeral services for Mr. John Samuel Crane, 78, of Hughes Springs, will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial will follow at Harris Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.  There will be a time of visitation with family and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the funeral home.

John Samuel Crane was born January 4, 1948, in Kilgore, Texas, and passed away January 8, 2026, at his home in Hughes Springs.

Coach Crane graduated from Kilgore High School in 1966 and later from East Texas State University in 1970. He devoted his life to education and coaching, serving students in Celeste, Hughes Springs, Linden-Kildare, Ore City, Kilgore, San Augustine, and Paul Pewitt CISD. He concluded his career with ten years as Transportation Director at Paul Pewitt CISD.

An accomplished athlete, Coach Crane went to the state tournament as a basketball player while at Kilgore High School, placing third in the state during his senior year. Known for his shooting ability and scoring touch, he was a high-point man and an excellent long-range shooter. As head basketball coach at Linden-Kildare ISD, he led two teams to the state tournament and enjoyed many successful playoff runs throughout his career.

Beyond the court, Coach Crane was a man of strong faith and steady character. He served as a deacon at Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of Gideons International and the Retired Teachers Association. He was known for being firm but fair, always holding his students to high standards as he prepared them for adulthood. His influence touched countless young lives.

In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family, watching sports, playing golf, and faithfully supporting local teams.

Coach Crane was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Boren Crane; aunt, Velma VanWinkle, and uncle, Don VanWinkle; aunt, Louise Teague, and uncle, Jesse Teague; his cousin, who was like his brother, Robert “Rip” VanWinkle; cousins: Donna Denton, and Joann Post; his late father-in-law, Fayon Amox.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Mrs. Barbara Crane; son, Russell Crane and his wife Fernanda; grandchildren: Zeke and Reece Crane (who lovingly referred to him as “MaPas”); mother-in-law, Betty Wasson; sisters-in-law: Carolyn Watkins, Martha Mullen, Betty Sue Allen, Connie Hodges; uncle, Larry Skinner and aunt, Paulette Skinner; numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Coach Crane’s consistency, dedication, and heart for others will long be remembered by those who knew him.