The Rev. John Crank

Reverend John C. Crank, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 surrounded by his family. Lovingly known as J.C., born to Rev. G.F. and Mary Edith Crank on September 25, 1936 in the Appalachian Mountains of McKee, Kentucky. JC preached his first sermon at age 16 on November 22, 1952 at Church of God in Kalamazoo, MI. He attended Lee College in Cleveland, TN, receiving his Exhorters License in 1957, he was ordained in 1966. During his 55 year Pastorate, he served on several state and district boards and pastored 5 churches from 1958 to 2016, making him the longest running Pastor  in Michigan Church of God. JC was united in marriage to Sue Dell Patrick in 1956, who preceded him in death in 2004, together having 4 children, John, Kimberly, Bethany and Melody. He was united in marriage to Joy Rayburn Milliron on December 9, 2006 and gained two more children, Pam and LD Milliron. JC was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sue Dell, his daughter, Kimberly Ringler and his son, John C. Crank, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Joy Rayburn-Milliron, his daughters, Bethany (Michael) Brown of Spartanburg, SC, Melody Crank of Grand Ledge, MI, step-daughter, Pam Milliron and step-son, L.D. Milliron of Battle Creek, son-in-law, Randy Ringler of Cleveland, TN, 21 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, 8 siblings and many nieces, nephews and cousins. JC had many hobbies but his family and playing with his grandbabies and serving the Lord were his full joy in life. His desire was to live as close to Jesus as he possibly could. To love as many people to Jesus as possible and to train and equip the body of Christ where he labored with the tools that can make a difference in the judgement bound world. He is quoted in saying “ I’d rather preach than eat when I’m hungry. “ A private family visitation will be held. Funeral services to Celebrate Rev. JC Crank’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Dexter Lake Church of God, 1555 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI, with The Rev. Blaine Faircloth officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial donations in Rev. JC Crank’s honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Church of God Home for Children in Sevierville, TN. www.henryfuneralhome.org