Nicholas Todd Crane, age 45, passed away on August 23, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Nicholas was born on November 10, 1980, to Howard “Tony” and Rhonda Crane in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1999.
After high school, Nicholas began working for Ford Motor Company at the assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri, where he proudly became a fourth-generation Ford employee. He later spent many years working in the restaurant industry before beginning a new career in vehicle sales.
In 2018, Nicholas moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he eventually met Kayla Martin. Nicholas and Kayla were married on June 2, 2023. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Serena Lynn Crane, on August 22, 2024. Nicholas spent the final two years of his life living in Oxford, Pennsylvania.
Nicholas loved his daughter fiercely and cherished his family deeply. He faced heart issues throughout much of his adult life, but through every challenge, he remained incredibly resilient and never gave up. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and family member. His love, strength, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Nicholas is survived by his wife, Kayla Martin; his daughter, Serena Crane; his parents, Tony and Rhonda Crane; his sister, Ashley Mays (Christopher); and his nephews, Luke Mays and Ford Mays. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Larry and Betty Loftis and Virgil Thompson; his paternal grandparents, Howard and Sharon Crane; and his aunt, Mary “Sue-Sue” Wilson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Hope Church, located at 4800 NW 88th Street, Kansas City, MO 64154. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a service at 5:30 p.m.
