Thomas Crane

Thomas J. Crane, of Hilliard, age 81, passed away May 2, 2025 at the Kobacker House

Thomas Crane, who loved family gatherings, travel, and a good prank, died peacefully on May 2 in hospice care at Kobacker House. He was 81. A long-time Columbus resident, Tom lived with Patricia, his wife of 58 years. 

Born in Toledo, Ohio on January 12, 1944, Tom was one of four children of Edwin and Lola (Hofbauer) Crane. His father worked in construction and his mother was a pediatric nurse. As a child he collected baseball cards and played football and baseball in the backyard. He graduated from Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio, and then attended The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 1967.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Berry, in 1966, and they had three children.  For nine years, he taught high school science in Columbus. After a chance conversation on an airplane, he began a new career path and managed AAA in Chillicothe. Fueled by a joy of hospitality, Tom owned a travel agency for fourteen years. A specialist in group travel, he led many middle school students to Washington D.C., and organized local bus as well as international trips for adults. Throughout his life, Tom loved studying maps and travel books. 

Some of Tom’s happiest moments were spent with family telling stories, teaching his grandchildren math, playing cards, and watching them play sports. He was known to use his own stopwatch at track meets, getting his daughter’s split times. Tom enjoyed cooking and eating food, and often replicated recipes from favorite restaurants and places he had visited. An inquisitive and kind man, he rarely missed an Ohio State football game and always swung by Tony Paco’s when visiting Toledo. 

Tom is survived by his wife Patricia (Berry), his children Kelly (Craig) Wenclewicz, Courtney (Michael) Crane Menche, and Michael (Brea) Crane, his grandchildren Laken, Mia, Lola, Chase, Roland, and Keegan, his brother Daniel (Christine) Crane, sister in-law Nancy Crane, and several nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his father, mother, sister Donna and brother James. 

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation hours on Monday, May 12 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Jerry Spears Funeral Home of Hilliard, 5471 Frazell Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026. Memorial Mass  will begin at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 13 at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43214

St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 212 N Stadium Rd, Oregon, OH 43616

St. Brendan Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.