Benjamin Cole Craft, Jr., passed away on May 7, 2013. He was born April 21, 1932 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Bertha Phillips and Benjamin Cole Craft. He attended University High then Louisiana State University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He graduated from LSU with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. From 1954 to 1955, he was a Junior Petroleum Engineer with Drew Cornell, Inc. and then enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and served as a Captain until 1959. Following his military service, he worked with Gene Hochendale, Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana as a Partner and Independent Consultant until 1960 when he went to work for Chevron as a Drilling Engineer. In 1962, Benny began what would be a twenty-four year relationship with Quintana Petroleum Corporation where he held multiple executive positions. He was involved in a broad range of supervisory positions that required a high degree of technical expertise and sound management skills. From 1962 to 1966, he was employed as a Drilling Engineer, and from 1967 to 1972, he became a Senior Drilling Engineer. From 1973 to 1974, he was a Project Engineer and from 1974 to 1986, he served as Vice President, Drilling and Production and President of Quintana Overseas, Inc. From 1974 to 1980, Benny was a resident of the U.K. as President and Managing Director of Quintana Overseas, the affiliate responsible for oil and gas exploration in frontier areas of the world. Following his employment with Quintana, Benny worked with Enron for a few years as a Consultant concerning its endeavors in India. Benny enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an avid outdoorsman who loved all types of hunting and fishing. He also loved to travel and was able to see most of the world during his lifetime. He had a wonderful wit and lived his life with integrity, dignity and great courage. He will be greatly missed here on earth but will live in our hearts forever. Benny is survived by his son, Daniel Paul Craft; his brother, Fielding Baron Craft and wife, Charlotte Parham Craft; nephew, Fielding Baron Craft, Jr. and wife, Lori Crotts Craft; niece, Claudia Craft Huthnance; niece, Sharon Craft Cote, husband, Kevin Wayne Cote and family; two grand-nieces, Anna Renee Huthnance and Sydney Cole Huthnance; and grand-nephew, Fielding Baron ("Trey") Craft, III. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha Phillips and Benjamin Cole Craft; and his son, Benjamin Cole Craft, III. A celebration and memorial of Benny's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery located at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas, 77079 and a reception will immediately follow at Lakeside Country Club located at 100 Wilcrest Drive, Houston, Texas, 77042. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Craft and Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering (please make the check out to "LSU Foundation"), 2107 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 or The Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 1225 Texas Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77002.
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I'm so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. I worked as his secretary in London and he was one of the most charming and wittiest men I've met. My condolences to the family.
Sandy Morris
April 15, 2014
To all of Mr. Craft's family and friends,
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one and our alumnus. We are most grateful for all that he did to support deserving Engineering students here and other LSU Organizations. Our thoughts and sympathies are certainly with you. On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of the LSU College of Engineering and Dr. Richard J. Koubek, Dean, and Dr. Karsten Thompson, Department Chair of Department Chair of Petroleum Engineering.
Don Eisenberg
June 3, 2013
Dan,
Although my contact with your dad was brief, and at the end of his life, he impressed me as a man of great character and courage. My condolences to you and your family.
Robin Hunter
May 29, 2013
Daniel and Ann, Bennie was a very strong influence in my life. We had some great times together and I will miss him.
Paula Priesmeyer
May 23, 2013
Daniel and Ann, Ben was a strong presence in my life and I always felt as family. I will miss him greatly. Robbie Bobby
Bob Macnab
May 22, 2013
Ms. Charlotte and Mr. Baron, So sorry to hear about Mr. Ben, have thought of all of you frequently and Tony still talks about mother. Our prayers are with you.
With love for all of you,
Donna and Tony Ballard
May 21, 2013
Hey Dan,
My deepest heart felt sympathy to you and your family.
Love, Karen
Karen Craft
May 20, 2013
Hi Dan,
Megan and I are sorry for the loss of your dad. We have very fond memories of "Grandpa Benny" growing up and he will be missed. We still have the piano he gave us for Christmas one year and still love to play on it. Megan is even teaching Charlotte to play a few songs on it now.
Love,
Danya and Megan
Danya Thorne
May 20, 2013
Dan,
I'm so sorry to read of the loss of your father. I remember him as a very fun loving and generous man.
Lisa Sanchez
May 20, 2013
Daniel, we are so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Benny was like a precious older brother to me during my days at Quintana in Lafayette and then in Houston. He was the best boss ever. Truly one of a kind and loved dearly!
Lily Cosse'
May 19, 2013
Daniel
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your Dad and I worked many years together at QPC. The last time I saw you was in Aberdeen in 1972, I think you were 14 at the time.
Mike & Barbara Trotter
Mike Trotter
May 16, 2013
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