Robert Craft

ASSUMPTION - Robert passed away June 14, 2011, in his home surrounded by his family. Robert was born December 19, 1923 to Charles R. and Hannah Rebecca (Grammer) Craft. He attended Assumption schools, graduating in 1941. Services will be 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 17, 2011, in Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption with Rev. Tom Compton officiating. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m, Thursday, June 16. also in the funeral home. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Assumption with full military honors by Tacusah Post #6577 VFW. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to DMH Cancer Care Institute-www.dmhcares.org or the US Naval Memorial Foundation-www.navymemorial.org He enlisted in the US Navy in January 1942, immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served nearly the entirety of WW II on the battleship the USS Washington, participating in over 20 major campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He completed his WW II service on the post-commissioning shakedown cruise of the heavy cruiser, the USS Los Angeles. He married Patricia Tankersley on October 30, 1948. They had three sons and three daughters who brought him great joy in his life. His postwar life was interrupted by a recall to active duty during the Korean Conflict during which he served on the carrier, the USS Tarawa, with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. Upon discharge, he resided with his family in Alton, IL, working with the Railway Mail Service for nearly two decades. When that service was discontinued he returned to Assumption with his family. He was initially employed by the Cooperative Grain Services, first as weigh master at the Assumption station and then as manager of the Dunkel Grain station. He later purchased the local grocery store, renamed Craft's Market, and expanded it to triple its original size before retiring in the early 80's. During his years in Assumption he served his community as a Boy Scout Troop Leader, President of the School Board, Commander of the American Legion and two terms as Mayor. As Mayor, he took great satisfaction in securing a dependable and satisfactory water supply for Assumption. During his retirement, he and his wife traveled by RV throughout the United States before settling on Alamo, Texas as their winter home. Robert is survived by his wife Patricia; three sons - Gary of Assumption, Robert of Athens, AL, James of Sherman, IL; and three daughters - Mary Beth Pearson of Aiken, SC. Jeanne Malme and son-in-law Ross Malme of Atlanta, GA and Cynthia Mueller of Naples, FL. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Amber and Joshua Pearson, Shannon and Clinton Mueller; along with five great grandchildren and a sister, Grace Fathauer of Taylorville. Robert was preceded in death by two brothers Charles and William, sisters baby Mildred, Frances Creamer, Gertrude Kercheval, his great granddaughter Mary Kaylynn Pearson and his parents. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/