Ronald Earl Crank
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Earl Crank.
Ronald Earl Crank, 84, of Independence, Mo., passed away peacefully at Carmel Hills, Nursing Facility, in Independence, Mo., on April 12, 2025.
He was born in Marshall, Mo., on February 1, 1941 to Robert Earl and Rose Marie Crank.
Ronald is a 1959 William Chrisman High School graduate. Ronald served two years in the Vietnam war as a Fire Action Control Specialist 13J Artillery Soldier. After Ronald was discharged from the Army, he attended CMSU and received his Masters degree in Education, and a Business and Accounting Degree from Pittsburg University.
Ronald worked at Farmland Industries in the accounting department. After retiring, Ronald worked for the Independence Public School District from 2000-2013 driving a school bus.
Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Earl, and Rose Marie Crank, his twin brother Donald Dean, a brother Gregory Allen, and a son John David Crank.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Priscilla Lynn Crank, of Independence. Also survived by his former spouse of 17 years, Frances Darlene Bever. Together their children were a daughter Lara Marie McFeely of Tyler, Texas, and a son, John David Crank (deceased). Ronald is also survived by 3 stepchildren, Ricky David Chandler {Tina}, Diana Lynn Pennington {David}, and John Wayne Chandler. There were 6 step-grandchildren,13 step great grandchildren, and many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Ronald was known for his unwavering loyalty to the KC Royals, as well as the KC Chiefs, never missing a game when possible. He was also a man of faith and believed in Jesus.
Ronald requested to have no services at this time. There will be a cremation ceremony at a later date.
To family and friends, I met Ron in about 1955. I am 3 years younger. When I was 11, I worked taking care of tennis courts in Slover Park and he would sometimes play tennis there. We became great friends when he was in high school and we were on the tennis team together at William Chrisman. He was a great kid and we had lots of fun together. He would ask his grandfather to use his old Dodge and we would go play pool, miniature golf, smoke cigars and drink beer. A favorite activity was using a ‘fungo’ baseball bat and hit fly balls to each other in the park. I was in the wedding party for his first marriage. Unfortunately, his Vietnam time changed Ron as it did many of our guys. In retirement, he loved driving the athletes to games and when he came to Belton, I would meet him at the bus and we’d talk. His failing health, was very difficult for him and his family and friends. Now he is at peace and for that I am thankful. My heartfelt condolences to all those people who were lucky enough to know and love Ron.
Thank you Gary for your kind words. There is much to say about my Dad. Here are a few memories. He purchased my first car. He said to get anywhere I needed wheels so he showed up with a two door Oldsmobile that he described as “sporty”. It was not sporty but very appreciated. One summer my brother and I rode around with him while he did his power wash business, in the back of his truck. Much later I started my own counseling practice, and moved to a new city. Dad provided a credit card to help me launch my practice. In 2022 when I moved to Tyler to be closer to my Mom and step Dad, he reached out. At the time he had a collapsed esophagus. He said it was a “nuisance” for a long time, nothing more. For several weeks he called every day. He shared details of his life, apologized for mistakes and made some plans for a future that was not to be. I appreciated all he said then. I wish he could have bounced back like he hoped. He had a long life, but I think he had some regrets. Thankful he believed in God, and that I will see him again.