Calvin "Kevin" Wayne Crane
Died May 20, 2026, in Roanoke, Virginia

Born February 22, 1964, in Alleghany County or Covington, Virginia

Kevin was a free-spirited nomad with a heart of gold. No matter what situation someone found themselves in, he was there to help — especially his family, whom he cared for deeply. He was devoted to his elderly mother and doted on his nieces and nephews. A passionate advocate for autism awareness, he stood by his grandson through his diagnosis, determined to make sure he never felt alone in it.

A proud Dallas Cowboys fan through and through, Kevin was happiest outdoors — camping, hunting, and fishing whenever he got the chance. In the kitchen, he found his calling: as a chef at the Homestead, he turned his love of cooking into a craft, and those who knew him will remember him as an excellent cook who fed people generously, in every sense of the word.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Paul Crane, on July 21, 1995; his mother, Wanda B. Crane, on June 6, 2004; sister-in-law Dawn (Michelle) Finney, on Dec. 2011; his very special niece, Haley Crane, on Feb. 5, 2023; Aunt Kathy Pritt, on Aug. 15, 2025; and Aunt June Simmons, on June 18, 2026.

Surviving Kevin are his daughter Amber Whitehead, her fiancé Bret Newcomb, and grandson Nash Newcomb. He is also survived by his brother Larry Crane; nephews Steven Crane and Josh Crane, Josh's wife Danielle Lake, and their daughter Angel Crane. He has another brother, Roger Crane, Roger's fiancée Laura Buyna, and their grandchildren Brentley Craig and Reina Lopez. Also surviving is his sister Carol Taylor and her son, Gregory Taylor, Gregory's wife Jenny Canterbery, and their daughter Olivia Gibson, Olivia's husband Chris Lewis, and their two sons, Kaulder and Kade. Special family Thomas Pritt; Lisa Pritt Crawford and her husband, Andrew, and their son, Nathaniel McKinney; Robin Tucker; and Connie Skibinski.

A special thanks to Laura Buyna for everything she has done for our family.

There will be a private memorial on Sept. 5, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to honor his memory by supporting local organizations closest to his heart.

Contributions can be directed to either of the following:

VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment (Local autism education and services): Online at viacenters.org or mailed to 312 Whitwell Dr., Roanoke, VA 24019.

The Rescue Mission of Roanoke (Emergency shelter and crisis intervention): Online at rescuemission.net or mailed to P.O. Box 11525, Roanoke, VA 24022.