Walter Howard Crane

Walter "John" Howard Crane, 81, of Hillsboro, NH, passed away peacefully at home on February 23rd, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones, Darline Crane (Wife), Natalie Crane (Daughter), Abigail VonDette (Granddaughter), Mitchell Crane (Son), Adam VonDette, and Kitterhi Durgin.

Walter was born to Roscoe and Katherine Crane of Washington, NH, on August 11th, 1944. Where he grew up on their family farm alongside his siblings, Barbara-Anne Barbee, Nancy Johnson, Sally Fleming, and Richard Crane.

Walter proudly served 4 years in the United States Air Force straight out of high school during the Vietnam War. After this, he spent 25 years serving the community of Hillsboro and Henniker, NH, as the Animal Control Officer. Walter also served as the Water and Sewer Commissioner for Hillsboro, NH.

But most of all, Walter was a Steward of the Land. Walter was a lifelong dairy and beef cattle farmer, which he took much pride in. Walter started his generational farm in 1975 and worked every day for 45 years straight without a day off. Walter's love of farming kept him working one day at a time. Walter's strength and hard work allowed him to run a full dairy and beef cattle farm operation by himself. Walter also grew corn, raised livestock, hunted, and maintained his land without ever complaining.

Walter's legacy lives on in the land he devoted his life to, and will now be preserved by his daughter and carried forward to the next generation, and in the hearts he loved dearly: his daughter, granddaughter, and wife.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the summer of 2026 at the families convivence.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home. www.holtwoodburyfh.com.