Danville, IL - Dr. Daniel Bever Crane, 83, Danville, IL, passed away in the North Logan Health Care Center, Danville, IL on Tuesday, May 28th, at 5:01 a.m.
Daniel was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 10, 1936. He was the son of the late Dr. George W. And Cora Ellen (Miller) Crane. He was reared in Chicago, graduating from South Shore High School. He later received his B.A. degree from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI. He went on to receive his D.D.S. degree from Indiana University. After his graduation, Daniel entered the U.S. Army as a Captain and served in the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Southeast Asia. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he started a private practice in dentistry in Danville for many years, retiring in 2011.
In 1978, Daniel was elected to the House of Representatives and served as Congressman for both the 19th and 22nd Districts from 1979 - 1985.
He was a member of the Hillsboro United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post # 23 of Aurora, CO.
On June 13, 1970, Daniel married Judy Ann VanBrunt in Hillsboro, IN. She preceded him in death on July 16, 2012.
Daniel leaves behind six children, Nathaniel (Tracy) Crane and Joshua (Maggie) Crane, both of Danville, IL; Kimberly (Nikolaos Johnson) Crane, Raleigh, NC; Elizabeth (Christopher) Gulugian, Springfield, VA; Emily (Tom) Makarewicz, Marne, MI and Heidi Crane, Danville, IL; four granddaughters, Sophia Ellen & Willa Sage Makarewicz; Dylan Rose Gulugian and Claire Louise Crane; a sister, Judith Ross, Downers Grove, IL; a brother, Dr. David G. (Joanie) Crane, Martinsville, IN. He was preceded in death by two brothers, George Crane IV and Dr. Philip Crane.
Friends may call at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 1st, from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor David Inskeep and Daniel's nephew, Rev. Douglas Crane officiating. Burial with military honors will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro, IN.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post # 210 of Danville, IL.