Danford LeRoy Crane

BURLEY – Danford LeRoy Crane, a 94-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Monday, August 12, 2024, at his home.

He was born February 6, 1930, in Burley, Idaho, the son of Elmer LeRoy Crane and Mary Cottrell Crane, and was raised a farmer and dairyman. He attended schools in Burley where he played football and basketball and graduated with the class of 1948. He attended Ricks College where he was first team half-back in football and shortstop in baseball.

Dan served in the British Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1950 to 1952. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1953, being stationed in Texas.

He married LaRae Whiting, of Rupert, on November 12, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple.

A past president of Burley Farm Bureau, Dan also served as Trustee and Chairman of the Cassia County School Board.

As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dan served as Scoutmaster twice, High Councilor for ten years in the Oakley Stake, Bishop of the Unity Ward from 1974 to 1980, and 11 six-month missions with his wife, LaRae.

LaRae passed away in 2018. Dan later married Valere Hegerhorst of Bruneau, Idaho.

He is survived by his wife, Valere; his six sons, Curtis (Susan) of Edmond, Oklahoma, Mark (Candace) of Morgan, Utah, Dell (Joan) of San Leandro, California, Kyle (LaRae) of St. George, Utah, Troy (Kari) of Burley, and Danny (Shaunna) of Buhl; sister, Marjorie (Rex) Gerratt of Burley; 30 grandchildren and 65 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, LaRae, Dan was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert Whiting Crane (who died in 1972); three brothers, Lynn Crane, Paul Crane and Calvin Crane; three sisters, Mildred Crane (who died shortly after birth), Elma Bowen and Mary Louise Funk; and two grandchildren, Molly Crane and Travis Crane.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 26, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, where family and friends will be received from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday, August 25, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. preceding the funeral. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/uNbG7FNXWVk.