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Obituary

Obituary for James Vaughn Crane

Born June 4, 1946 to James Evion and Lora Dell Crane in Bakersfield, California. Vaughn was the second son of three children. Vaughn attended elementary school in the Richland School District. Attended Shafter High School before transferring to Foothill High School. Where he graduated in 1965. In high school Vaughn enjoyed running with the Cross-Country team. After graduation Vaughn moved to Monterey, CA to work in construction. While living in Monterey he enlisted in the United States Air Force… on January 12, 1966. Vaughn was an airplane mechanic on C-130’s and served in Vietnam. Upon returning from Vietnam he dated a longtime friend, Dixie King. They were married in April 1969. Shortly after which Vaughn returned to college with a business major. Later he would go on to receive an AA degree in Criminal Justice from Bakersfield College. Vaughn and Dixie started a family in 1969 and over the next 15 years had 4 children. While raising a family, he enjoyed participating in all his children’s activities. He served as Scout Master for many years. Never missed a sporting event, parent/teacher conference, parade, recital, or anything else his children were involved in. Vaughn’s children were his biggest joy. He especially enjoyed teaching them to fish, respect nature, love and serve others, enjoy all types of music, and the importance of education. Vaughn had many careers in his lifetime. Which included: 10 years with the Richland School District as a bus driver/janitor, 3 years with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department, 9 years as the Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator for the City of Shafter, 13 years as a maintenance worker for County of Kern General Services, and various other jobs. Retiring in 2009 from the County of Kern General Services division. Vaughn made a practice to never have a job that took him away from home at night because being with his family was priority. Upon retirement Vaughn was able to spend a few years traveling. This was highlighted with a cross country motorcycle trip from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. While traveling Vaughn and Dixie lived in Norfolk, Virginia and Wibaux, Montana. After returning to Shafter Vaughn’s time was devoted to raising his granddaughters. He also enjoyed weekly outings with his grandson. Vaughn enjoyed early morning “Coffee Club” meetings with his buddies at McDonald’s every day. Vaughn enjoyed being of service to others. Making his home and heart open to any wayward or lost souls. This is evident in his many “adopted” children and grandchildren. He never turned away someone in need. He felt it important to help others to help themselves. Vaughn was preceded in death by his parents Evion & Lora Dell Crane, brother Edward Crane, and sister Brenda Coffia. Also, preceded in death by daughter-in-law Jamie Crane. Vaughn is survived by his wife of 47 years Dixie Crane. His children Tammy Crane, Blue Crane and wife Corinne, Mattie Crane, and Evion Crane and wife Amber. Survived by his grandchildren, which were the joy of his life: Kenna, Erin, Darrock, Eli, Allistir, and Justin. Also, various “adopted” children and grandchildren, too numerous to list. A viewing will be held at Peter’s Funeral Home in Shafter on Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. A graveside service will be held at Shafter Memorial Park on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 11:00am. Vaughn will be buried with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Vaughn’s honor to the children’s charity of your choice.