The disc golf course at Huckleberry Park is being named after its founder and biggest supporter, Don Crane, who died May 27.

The Hannibal Park Board approved the naming of the park at its June 16 meeting. Austin Crane, Don’s son, said, “My family and I are honored that the parks department has named the course and an annual tournament after dad. During his final days, the thought brought him comfort. We hope that someone as dedicated to disc golf will continue dad's legacy."

He said his dad spent many hours helping others enjoy the sport. “Disc golf was one of dad's biggest passions. He started playing it as a teen with friends when Hannibal had a course decades ago. Since then, he had always wanted to bring the sport back. He dedicated hundreds of hours to developing the course, from rolling a measuring wheel across Huckleberry Park as he designed the layout to overseeing the construction. It was hard work, but he knew the positive impact the sport would bring to the city.”

Mayor Jim Hark signed a proclamation May 27 to announce the disc golf course would be named after Crane. Crane’s family said Don was aware of the honor before he died. Here is the proclamation:

Whereas, Don Crane started the disc golf craze in Hannibal by designing the disc golf course in Huckleberry Park, which opened June 2, 2006.  Don has served as an ambassador to disc golf in the Tri-State Area, encouraging others to partake in his favorite leisure activity; and

Whereas, Don Crane has voluntarily organized, facilitated and implemented disc golf tournaments at the Hannibal disc golf course in Huckleberry Park, including the Ice Bowl, Skins Tournament, Ace Race, Battle of the Month and Huck Finn Open; and

Whereas, Don Crane has voluntarily taught disc golf lessons at the Hannibal disc golf course for almost 10 years, instructing young and old on the rules of the game, safety, techniques and strategy.  He volunteered hundreds of hours promoting the sport of disc golf in Hannibal; and

Whereas Don Crane has designed the expansion and renovation of Huckleberry Park disc golf course to be completed in 2016

Now, therefore, I, James Hark, Mayor of the City of Hannibal, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 27, 2016, that the disc golf course in Huckleberry Park be hereby named Don Crane Disc Golf Course and so urge all residents to join me in partaking of the sport Don Crane so loves in an annual tournament that will also bear his name.

Don Crane was survived by his parents, Donald Lee and Donna (Henderson) Crane, Sr., two sons, Austin Crane and Dylan Crane, two brothers, Philip Crane and Greg Crane, and one sister, Lisa Dupont.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hannibal Parks and Recreation Disc Golf Program, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

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