Michael Buford Crane
Michael Buford Crane, 83, of Texarkana, Arkansas, passed away Sept. 28, 2026. Born January 23, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Thomas Crane and Margaret Oliger, Mike devoted his life to faith, learning, teaching and service.
January 23, 1943 – September 28, 2026
Michael Buford Crane, 83, of Texarkana, Arkansas, passed away Sept. 28, 2026. Born January 23, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Thomas Crane and Margaret Oliger, Mike devoted his life to faith, learning, teaching and service.
At 16, Mike answered a calling to serve his Lord and Savior. He spent his life serving others through ministry, teaching and compassion, pastoring churches throughout southern Arkansas and through The Berean Global Bible Ministry, prison ministries and The Gospel Call Christian missionary newsletter.
A lifelong learner, Mike earned degrees in English and History, Education and Theology and spent 33 years teaching at Kingsland, Rison and Genoa Central. He loved history, travel, painting and historical war-gaming, where he formed friendships around the world. He was known for his strong convictions, tender heart, generosity and humor, and for always having a story, book, painting or piece of history to share.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha Crane; his children, Bryan Crane-Willett (Christopher) and Lara Otten (Douglas); his siblings, Paul (Betty) Crane, Vicki Oliger, Don Oliger; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Crane, Margaret (Victor) Oliger, and sister, Tina Lee.
Mike leaves behind a legacy of faith lived, knowledge shared, friendships cherished and love given, and he will be deeply missed.
The family will receive friends at Texarkana Funeral Home, 4801 Parkway Drive, Texarkana, Arkansas, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Friday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Texarkana Funeral Home, Arkansas, with Dr. Roger Copeland officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Hills Missionary Baptist Church, Missionary Baptist Seminary of Arkansas, or Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.