MORRIS E. CRANE Sept. 1, 1937 – Aug. 9, 2015On September 1, 1937 somewhere in Texas, Morris E. Crane was born in a boxcar moments after his identical twin brother, Horris.
There was no doctor available, so a veterinarian delivered the twins. We think this may have lead to his dislike of Texas and pets.
During the WWII years, the family lived in San Diego, CA. Once the war ended, they relocated to Hobbs, NM.
Morris graduated from Hobbs High School in 1957, went on to earn his BA in Industrial Arts and a teaching certificate from Eastern New Mexico (partially funded by bootlegging) and a MA from University of New Mexico.
His passion was teaching. He taught Industrial Arts in Grants, Bloomfield, Santa Fe, and Gallup. He loved working with and teaching a variety of young people.
While in Santa Fe, he also taught at the State Prison. While working at the prison he met Johnny Cash and wrote the State of NM Vocational Education Program that was used in public schools around the state.
He moved his family to the Los Alamos/White Rock area to begin a construction company. His love for the mountains drew him to move to the Jemez. During his 40 years of living in the Jemez he built many homes and taught many young people the basics of construction.
Morris was instrumental in helping build the La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department. He was the 1st training officer and remained in that position for the majority of his tenure.
During the lean years he and Horris, would repair fence for the Baca (the Valles Caldera) in exchange for hunting rights.
His passions included teaching both local and foreign people, no one was a stranger to him. Dancing with all the girls, not just his wife, and woodworking.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharron, 5 natural children: Laura, Kay (Curt) Benham, Daniel, Lisa (Mark) Harris, and Martin (Diane), countless children of his heart, 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and a plethera of community members who loved him and called him Opa.
A memorial service to remember him with joy and laughter will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday August 12, at the La Cueva Volunteer Fire Station 51.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department.
