William J. (Bill) Crane, 78, Columbus

William J. (Bill) Crane passed away on June 1, 2025, at his home, with loved ones by his side.

Bill was born in Noblesville, Indiana, on January 27, 1947, to the late John and Joann (Ivory) Crane. The family soon moved to Columbus, where he spent the rest of his childhood.

Following his high school graduation in 1965, Bill joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he served until he was honorably discharged following an arm injury. After returning to Columbus, he worked in a variety of roles, including at the Columbus Post Office.

He lived the best years of his life as a person in recovery. His journey motivated him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at IUPUC (then IUC) and later a graduate degree so he could help others find recovery. In his work at Valle Vista Hospital, Koala Center, St. Vincent Stress Center, Brumbaugh & Associates, and Tara Treatment Center, he touched many lives. His children fondly remember people stopping him around town to say, “You saved my life; because of you, I’m living a sober life.”

A talented artist in his youth, Bill carried that creativity into his later years. A true craftsman, he showed love for his family through the care and detail he put into remodeling projects and garden features at their 19th-century farmhouse. He also loved classic cars, especially the 1966 Ford Falcon he painstakingly restored – a car that won awards at several car shows, was featured in a magazine, and carried him along stretches of Route 66. While he enjoyed vacations at St. Pete Beach, Florida, he was happiest at home, surrounded by the family he loved dearly — sharing meals, engaging conversation, and lively jokes and stories.

Bill is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lisa; his children, Joe (Patra) Crane and Raechel (Ethan) Tennant; and his grandchildren, Sirius, Ivan, and Amelia. He is also survived by his siblings, Diann (Darwin) Swanson and George Crane, and many nieces and nephews.

The family requests that donations in Bill’s honor be made to Special Olympics or Disabled American Veterans. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with Bill’s family at barkesweaverglick.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.