Craig Elmo Crane

Overton, NV/Richfield, UT - It is with both sorrow and a smile that we announce the passing of Craig Elmo Crane, who left this world on March 19, 2025, at his home in Overton, Nevada, at the age of 72. Born in Richfield, Utah, on December 12, 1952, to Wayland Craig and Patricia Herring Crane. Craig was the eldest of three children and a force of nature from the start. He may have been known for tormenting his sisters, Laurie and Kim, growing up, but anyone who knew him could see that his love for them—and for his parents—was as deep as his sense of humor was endless.

Craig grew up in McGill, Nevada, and attended White Pine High School, where he became a local legend not only for his wit and artistic flair but also for his insatiable need for speed. His Husqvarna motorcycle was his trusty steed, and the racetrack was his second home. Craig’s passion for life and speed followed him everywhere, from motorcycles and cars to Harleys and side-by-sides, and if it had a shiny chrome surface, you could be sure it was Craig’s. “If it ain’t chrome, don’t take it home.”

After graduating from White Pine High in 1971, Craig was awarded a Governor’s Scholarship to attend art school at Utah State University. But true to form, he didn’t sit still for long. He married his high school sweetheart, Georgi Harris, and although their marriage eventually ended in divorce, Craig’s love for life—and his ability to make people laugh—never waned. He was always the life of the party, and anyone who crossed his path knew they would leave with a smile (and maybe a nickname).

Craig’s love of fast things extended to his love of big things. Inspired by his childhood fascination with Tonka Trucks, he found his calling in heavy equipment, spending most of his career in the mining industry in Nevada. Whether it was driving giant trucks in the mountains or just enjoying the freedom of the open road, Craig was at home behind the wheel, the handlebars, or anywhere that involved people he loved and some good-natured teasing.

In his later years, Craig found a partner in Gena Nielson. Through her, he gained two wonderful stepchildren, JaLee (Jason) Roeller and Kyler Nielson, and became a proud grandfather to Jordan and Kayson Talbot. Craig cherished time spent riding side-by-sides in the mountains with his family, as well as the opportunity to torment, tease, and make lifelong memories with his grandkids—and anyone else he could manage to coax into his playful antics.

Craig’s playful spirit and infectious laughter will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind his sisters, Laurie (Paul) Anderson of Mesquite, NV, and Kimberly (Mike) Hanson of Bountiful, UT, along with six nephews, four nieces, two grandchildren, and a host of friends who were lucky enough to be on the receiving end of his jokes, pranks, and impeccable ability to make a car—or any toy—into the shiniest and best version imaginable.

Preceded in death by his parents, Craig's legacy will live on in the countless people he made laugh, the shiny toys that remind us of him, and in every nickname that makes us smile. He may have left this world, but he will forever be in our hearts—and the sound of a revving engine.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, April 18, 2025, in the Richfield City Cemetery in Richfield, Utah, under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.