Charles Howard Crane II "Howard", 83, passed away Tuesday, February 28, at home with his family by his side.

Howard was born in Detroit to Charles Lyman and Mary Crane, both now deceased.

Howard grew up in Grosse Pointe, graduated from Austin High School in 1958. He then attended John Carroll University and graduated in 1962 with Bachelors of Science. After college, Howard served our country in the US Army. He worked for General Motors in the parts department for a short time before joining McKeller Associates where he started his career as a Manufacturers Representative for the automotive industry. Soon Howard branched out on his own and started C.H. Crane and Associates. He put his own company on hold for a few years to work with FitzSimons Manufacturing in the mid 1990's. Although Howard handed off the reins of the business to two of his sons, he never fully retired. He took great pride in serving on the Board of Governors for the Country Club of Detroit for six years, but his greatest pride was his family.

Howard married Elizabeth Howenstein in 1963, and were happily married for almost 60 years. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who adored his 6 children and 19 grandchildren. Howard is survived by his wife Bethie; sons C. H. (Suzie), William Scott (Terese), Michael (Alexa), Robert (Cathy), Brian (Carey), and daughter Katrina.

Howard was deeply loved by his family and friends. He loved with all of his heart, a wicked sense of humor, and a contagious laugh. Always ready to give advice to anyone who asked, or to join in on a friendly prank, Howard could be described as a force to be reckoned with. His favorite spot was his "perfect piece of paradise" in Northern Michigan where he loved entertaining friends and family. He will be missed dearly by all that knew him.

Visitation and prayers will be held on Thursday, March 9th from 4 -7 pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Park. A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, March 10th at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul Educational Trust, 170 Grosse Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236