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Donald Craft Obituary

Donald "Red" Craft left us for a far better place on Friday, November 16, 2012. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on September 29, 1929, he was 83 years old. Donald was married 61 years to the love of his life, Helen. He was Dad to his three sons and Paw Paw to his nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Dad proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War.Visitation will be at Broadmoor United Methodist Church on Monday, November 19, 2012 from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. conducted by the Rev. Ken Carroll. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Louisiana National Cemetery, Zachary, LA with full military honors. Dad is survived by his devoted wife whom he loved unconditionally and spoiled beyond reason. He was the father of the year every year to Don and Dinah, David and Kim, and Dale and Joan. He also considered Charlie Coghlan to be one of his own. Dad was loved and cherished by everyone he met. He could fix a flat, drive a nail or just make a bad day better. He was always the first one we called when we had a problem and he never let us down. Grandchildren left behind are Trey (Donald Craft III), Ryan, Tyler, Brandon, Ashlee, Jennifer, Jonathan, Julie, and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Craft Mitchell; fathers, A.M. Craft and Joe Mitchell; and brothers A.M., Edsel, George and Thomas. Pallbearers will be his precious grandchildren. Dad retired from the gas department as supervisor at Gulf States Utilities. After retirement, he helped his son Dale run Computer Maintenance. He loved camping, square dancing, tennis and making sure his kids had everything they needed and most everything they wanted. Dad, you loved your family, loved your life, and we never heard you complain or say a bad thing about anybody. Thanks Dad...for everything. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Carpenter House. Special thanks to Lori Gray. Visit the online guest book at www.rabenhorst.com.

Published by The Advocate from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Helen and family. Let us say again how sorry we are for your loss.
We will always remember the good times we had when you and Donald spent the weekends with us. We will never forget him. Love to you all.
Dennis & lucille Connell
Raymond, Ms

November 25, 2012

We need more people like Mr. Craft in the world. It would be such a wonderful place if we did. June Guedry

November 22, 2012

Dale, Joan & family,
I was so sorry to read of Red's death. I remember him always with a big smile on his face and your kids running to him for hugs. Please know you're all in my thoughts and prayers, especially as you face your first holiday without him. Hopefully the memories of past Thanksgivings will sustain you - laughter through tears can be a healing emotion.
Love to you all...

Pam Kennon Bordelon

November 21, 2012

Kim,
My prayer is for you and your family as you journey through this time of sorry.
Love,
Celestine

November 19, 2012

David, Kim, Ashlee and Brandon, we are so sorry for your loss. What an enlightening and heartfelt description of your precious loved one. One could feel his and your admiration and respect. May the Lord grant you all peace and comfort during this most difficult time. With sympathy, Cynthia and Ray Perkins

November 19, 2012

Don, so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Sounds like he was a very special father. Cindy Bartkiewicz Cox

Cindy Cox

November 19, 2012

To Dale and family, Sorry I wasn't able to physically be there, but my love and prayers are being sent your way. Wonderful man, and great sons! Love, Anne Trahan

Anne Trahan

November 19, 2012

Don, what a great legacy your Dad left for you and your family... Many thoughts & prayers... Treasure the memories! Jean Cotter Merritt

Jean Cotter-Merritt

November 18, 2012

What a great obituary I read and am sure the real Donald "Red" Craft was even better in person. My sympathies go to Don and his mom and sister in this difficult time of adjustment. (Don and I were at BRHS together, many years ago...my how time flies). Keep your family close and in your heart always. With sympathy,

Martha Lux Matthews

November 18, 2012

Your passing has left a great void in our lives that will never be filled again. You were, and are, the greatest grandfather we could have asked for and you will forever be remembered. Love you, PawPaw.

November 18, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thanks for allowing us the priviledge of knowing him here at Charlie's Place.

Ed Picard

November 18, 2012

May the God of all comfort provide you with comfort duuring this difficult time. 1 Peter 4:7

November 18, 2012

We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Helen and all the Craft family. With love and prayers to each one!

Jeff and Melanie Cameron

November 17, 2012

Helen and Family, We have so many good memories of the times when our kids were all young. Remember the time we went to a Saints game to see one of the boy's favorite player, and got his autograph? I know you will all miss him. You will be in our prayers.

Carol & Joe Zarich

November 17, 2012

Helen & Family, Your Old Friends sending lots of YELLOW ROCKS, lots of good memories...Bill & Doris Barner

November 17, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful man! He touched my life and my family's life in joy-filled ways and we will always remember him. We share the sadness of your loss and send Helen and the entire Craft family heartfelt prayers and love.

Debbie and Bob Armstrong

November 17, 2012

I love you Old Man. My heart hurts.

November 17, 2012

Helen and family, my deepest sympathy in your loss. Don thought a lot of you both. My prayers are with you in this time and may God comfort you in the days ahead.

Peggy Moffat

November 17, 2012

to the Craft Family, I am Dennis Bourg son James. I remember mr. Craft when dad use to talk about him fron GSU. I will always keep him in my prayers.

James Bourg

November 16, 2012

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