Roll Call Tribute

Gregory Keith Crane 

October 29, 1961 - May 23, 2023 

Gregory Keith Crane, age 61, of The Woodlands, Texas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

Keith’s parents, Jack and Faye Crane raised their family in Rockdale, Texas with older brother Earl and younger sister Teresa. Keith was brought up to be respectful, reliable, humble, and trustworthy. These values would serve him well throughout his life.

Keith earned his associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco and transferred to Texas A&M-College Station as a junior. He graduated from Texas A&M University as a proud Aggie engineer (Class of '85). He met Julie at A&M and asked her on a date to her first bonfire. Although they lost touch (she blames the technology- wall phones and answering machines), they would reconnect 30 years later. Keith shared that Julie was "a catch who almost got away."

Keith greatly enjoyed working with his colleagues at Rigaku Americas Corporation for 35 years. Keith has been described as tenacious, hard-working, and insightful. Keith asked difficult questions that often pushed groups past status quo and he truly listened for answers. Many called him a mentor and a great friend, one who encouraged them beyond what they believed they could accomplish. Keith valued his company and its mission of service; he held many positions in his 35 years, learning the scope of work from engineer to service manager to president/COO. Achievements Keith valued were his team's patents for solutions related to crystallographic engineering and the development and launch of the X-Stream device. He leaves a lasting legacy of dedication and service to Rigaku Americas Corporation.

Although Keith juggled multiple responsibilities, he always found time to help friends and neighbors. Keith had many talents and a tool in his garage to fix any problem. One might never know from his quiet demeanor that he was a prankster in disguise. He enjoyed a good joke and could mix a wicked margarita.

Like in other areas in life, Keith faced the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with courage and tenacity. He gave his very best effort, following many rigorous protocols. Like a warrior, rarely did he complain of the pain and complications from treatments. He cherished life and held onto to the hope of healing until the very end. His journey with cancer brought him back "home" as he recommitted his life to Christ and found great comfort in his faith. We are especially appreciative of Dr. Michael S. Lee at M.D. Anderson in Houston and Dr. Lee's team, along with internist, Dr. Tom Sloan. We could not have asked for a more skilled or compassionate medical team. We also thank all of your who offered prayers and well wishes during this season of life.

Keith is survived by his wife Julie; his daughter Jennifer and husband Marshall; his brother Earl and wife Peggy; sister Teresa and husband David; granddaughter Madison, daughter of Jennifer and Marshall; granddaughter Emma, daughter of Meghan and Christian; and granddaughter Macy, daughter of Kevin and Candace; Jennifer's mother Patsy; niece Chelsea and husband Josh; niece Carly; niece Erica and husband Dave; and nephews Jack and Harrison. He is also survived by many good friends, colleagues, and furry companions.

A memorial service for Keith will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in his name. Keith was passionate about these organizations:

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, https://gifts.mdanderson.org/ 

TSTC Foundation, a publicly-funded technical school for mechanically gifted individuals like Keith.

https://pages.elevate.salesforce.org/give-tstc/give-to-tstc-foundation 

Texas A&M College of Engineering, https://engineering.tamu.edu/giving/index.html 

Pancreatic Research

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Keith Crane family.

IN THE CARE OF
Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery