Delmar Crane

Delmar Gene Crane, a longtime Odessa resident, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 19, 2022, at the age of 81. He was born on September 12, 1941, in Qulin, Missouri, to the late Raymond Wesley Crane of Thurber, Texas, and the late Dathel Jullean Scott Crane of Qulin, Missouri.

Affectionately known as “Pop” to his family and friends, Delmar is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Marianne (Dolan) Crane, of Odessa, Texas; two children, Terri (Crane) Meek and David Crane, both of Odessa, Texas; grandchildren, Brex Bradley Crane, Casey David Crane, Collin Blake Crane, Timothy Andrew Meek II, and Taylor Nicole Meek, all of Odessa, Texas; and his sister, Brenda Crane Allison, of Odessa, Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and a very large extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Wesley Crane, and Dathel Jullean Scott Crane; his brother, Ray Vern Crane; and his grandson Christopher Matthew Crane.

Delmar moved to Odessa as a child and graduated from Odessa High School in 1959. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by the United States Postal Service where he worked for thirty-one years. He married his “sweetie”, Marianne Dolan, in 1964.

Pop had a passion for fishing, drag racing, playing the open steel guitar, carpentry, and was a master cabinet builder. He was a jack of all trades and could repair most anything. Being an avid reader, he was a lifelong learner. As a devoted Christian, he could often be found reading his Bible and enjoying spirited biblical discussions. Delmar also enjoyed a Louis L’Amour western or a John Grisham novel. In his idle time, he solved thousands of sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Delmar loved sports and coached David and his friends through pony league baseball for more than eleven years. He and Marianne were very athletic and played volleyball at the church and in industrial league for more than twenty years.

His wife Marianne was the joy of his life as were his children Terri and David. He was a proud grandfather who spent endless hours with his grandchildren, teaching them valuable life lessons. With his fatherly nurturing spirit, Delmar opened his home and heart spreading love throughout his life.

Visitation hours will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home located at 6801 E. Business 20 in Odessa, Texas, on Thursday, September 22, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.