Dr. Daniel Bever Crane, 83, Danville, Illinois, passed away at 5:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in North Logan Health Care Center, Danville, Illinois.
Daniel was born Jan. 10, 1936, at Chicago. He was the son of the late Dr. George W. And Cora Ellen (Miller) Crane. He was reared in Chicago, graduating from South Shore High School. He later received his bachelor of arts degree from Hillsdale College at Hillsdale, Michigan. He went on to receive his D.D.S. degree from Indiana University. After his graduation, Daniel entered the U.S. Army as a Captain and served in the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Southeast Asia. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he started a private practice in dentistry in Danville for many years, retiring in 2011.
In 1978, Daniel was elected to the House of Representatives and served as Congressman for both the 19th and 22nd Districts from 1979-1985.
He was a member of the Hillsboro United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post #23 of Aurora, Colorado.
On June 13, 1970, Daniel married Judy Ann VanBrunt at Hillsboro. She died July 16, 2012.
Daniel leaves behind six children, Nathaniel (Tracy) Crane and Joshua (Maggie) Crane, both of Danville, Illinois, Kimberly (Nikolaos Johnson) Crane, Raleigh, North Carolina, Elizabeth (Christopher) Gulugian, Springfield, Virginia, Emily (Tom) Makarewicz, Marne, Michigan, and Heidi Crane, Danville, Illinois; four granddaughters, Sophia Ellen and Willa Sage Makarewicz, Dylan Rose Gulugian and Claire Louise Crane; sister Judith Ross, Downers Grove, Illinois; brother Dr. David G. (Joanie) Crane, Martinsville.
He also was preceded in death by two brothers, George Crane IV and Dr. Philip Crane.
Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the church, with Pastor David Inskeep and Daniel’s nephew, the Rev. Douglas Crane officiating. Burial with military honors will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post # 210 of Danville, Illinois.
Condolences may be made online at www.mausfuneralhome.com.
