Michael Crane

Michael S. “Chirp” Crane, 60, of Zanesville, passed away unexpectedly on August 27, 2026. Michael was born in Wheeling WV, on July 21, 1966, to the late Paul and Bertha (Tanner) Crane.

Michael grew up in the Mount Pleasant area and was a 1984 graduate of Buckeye West High School, where he was a star of his basketball team.

He found his career, initially, in the music sales business, working 30+ years as a salesman and manager for C.A. House. He started at the St. Clairsville location before ultimately retiring from the Zanesville location. Retirement was not enough for him, so he started his own sound installment company, Crane Sound and Lighting, in 2022 where he worked to service many churches and schools in the area. A lifelong musician, in the 90’s Michael founded “House Band”, which eventually took on the name “HB7”. HB7 came to end around 2021 and just like work, retirement from music was not what he wanted and when HB7 ended, he started a new band called “Late Horizon” in 2023. Additionally, he loved to follow the Cleveland Cavaliers, often making an impromptu trip to Cleveland to catch a game with Angie. He also enjoyed watching the Steelers play, but only if they were winning. He coached basketball for his boys when they were younger for the Tri-Valley youth league, as well as the Zanesville YMCA.

Michael was a loving husband to his wife Angie (Pruden), and a proud father to Drew (Emma) Rath, Kelsie Rath, Devin Crane, and Cameron Crane; Papaw to Julius Hopson;

brother to Paul (Sherry) Crane, Cindy (Curtis) Tschappat, and Cathy Vincent; brother-in- law to J.R. (Allison) Pruden, and son-in-law to Ken (Donna) Pruden. He leaves behind his cherished canine companion, Kobe, who he took everywhere he could.

Michael never knew a stranger and was always recognized and greeted with a handshake every where he went. He always had a story to tell that would seem almost too unbelievable to hear and he could sell you just about anything. Michael was a true family man, spending many nights and days playing with and cheering on his two sons Devin and Cameron, and grandson, Julius. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that asked and was a strong believer in his faith. His memory and stories will never fade and his family, friends, and even acquaintances will always remember him for his love of music, family, and his light up the room personality.

The family will honor Michael’s memory Thursday, September 3rd from 4-7PM at Bryan and Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Avenue, Zanesville, and again Friday. September 4th from 10-11AM with a funeral service held at 11AM. Brother Dan Nelson, officiant. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Following the graveside service, friends and family are invited to gather at the VFW Hall, 1318 Putnam Ave, Zanesville, for food and commemoration.

The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville, is in charge of the arrangements.