Kenneth E. Craft, "Grandpap"

Service for Mr. Kenneth E. Craft, “Grandpap” will be Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Parrans Chapel Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Craft will be Monday, April 20, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm at the church and again on Tuesday from 9:00 – 11:00 am.

Mr. Craft, age 76 of Bolivar, passed away at his home on Saturday morning, April 18, 2015.

He was a native of Armstrong County, PA, the son of the late Ira and Doretha Craig Craft. A veteran of the 28th Infantry of the US Army, serving from 1956-59, he married the former Mary Louise Guthrie on August 20, 1959. In 1963, they moved to Ohio where they lived before relocating to Bolivar in 1975. Mr. Craft retired in 2004 as plant manager for Lucerne Corporation, where he had worked for nearly 35 years.

Mr. Craft was an active member of the Parrans Chapel Baptist Church. He was involved in many aspects of the church's work from helping maintain the building and grounds to teaching Sunday School. He was especially skilled at "behind-the-scenes" activities and projects. Members of the church described him as a faithful friend, father-figure and mentor. He was also involved with the work of the Hardeman County Baptist Association and their Disaster Relief efforts.

In his spare time, he was Scout Leader (helping 3 sons become Eagle Scouts), enjoyed playing the guitar with his grandchildren, hunting and fishing and wood cutting and splitting. He was a licensed pilot, member of the Gold Wing Road Riders and an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan.

In addition to his wife, he leaves four sons and their wives, Rick and Kelly Craft of Maryville, TN, Zeke and Vicki Craft of Bolivar, Cliff and Paola Craft of Bolivar and Robby and Laurie Craft of Medon; one sister, Thelma Bowser and her husband, Bob, of Orlando, FL; one step-brother, Billy Schaefer of Titusville, PA; grandchildren: Melissa and Chris Hampton, Melinda and Jammy Bryant, Meranda and Brian Howell, Sid, Corey and Tyler Vandiver, Susan and Josh Cossar, Johnny and Amber Craft, Adam, David, Stone, Cade and Briley Craft, Christiane and Paola Santisteban Bernard; great-grandchildren: Paige and Samantha Hampton, Brianna and Kaleb Bryant, Colin Henson, Ellie Cate Howell, Sidney Vandiver, Jr., Brandon, Jaxon and Christopher Vandiver, Wyatt Cossar and River Craft; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sarah Grace Craft; and a sister, Eleanor Vincent.

Memorials may be directed to the Lillian Sullivan Fund, c/o Parrans Chapel Baptist Church, 9390 Old Highway 64, Bolivar, TN 38008.

Link to tribute video:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/X62WXTNQNMZYBHX9