Joe R. Crank

Joe R. Crank, age 96 of Connersville, died Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Hickory Creek at Connersville. Joe was born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky on December 18, 1927, the son of Rufus and Beatrice Blankenship Crank. He married Nancy Brock on August 23, 1946 celebrating 50 years before her passing. He was a World War II veteran, proudly serving in the U.S. Army in the Medical Corps. After military service, Joe began working for REX and later Ford Auto Manufacturing, in Connersville, retiring after 30 years. He was a member of the Connersville Baptist Temple. He was faithful to serve as a Deacon, teacher in Adult and Children Sunday School, Prison Ministries, and Nursing Home Ministries. Joe always loved telling people about the love of Jesus. His joy was spending time with his family. He and Nancy loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful trips both Nationally and Internationally. Joe’s main hobby was fishing. He made life fun and sought to bring joy to everyone he met. To say he had a big heart is an understatement as he was a giving man. He was loyal and dedicated to whomever he knew and whatever he put his time into. He was always busy working on a project and helping anyone in need. Always joyful, gentle, kind, patient, understanding and personable. He loved to talk about world events, but his favorite subject was the Bible and the 2nd coming of Christ! He was most certainly a faithful man-a man full of faith. No matter the hardships of life he was “Always ready to give the reason for the hope that was in him”. He was the best dad and grandpa ever. Survivors include, his son, Olen (Patricia) Crank of Connersville; daughter, Beverly (Robin) Short of Fishers, Indiana; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Ernie Lewis of Greenwood; many other family and friends. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy: daughter, Pamela Lewis; brother James A. Crank and sister, Juanita Sauders. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Funeral service for Joe R. Crank will be 2:00 pm Thursday, October 10 at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, 920 N. Central Ave., Connersville, Indiana, with military honors at the funeral home. Visitation will be 1pm – 2pm Thursday, October 10 at the funeral home, with Rev. Robin Short officiating. Burial will be in Valley Grove Cemetery.