Mr. Joseph Curtis Craft

Joseph Curtis Craft of Magnolia Trace Retirement Community in Huntsville, Alabama passed away on March 22, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Louise Laura Lewis Craft and daughters Cheryl (Sonny) Anderson, Peggy Craft, and Jolynn (Michael) Powell. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Daniel (Amanda) Powell, Beth Anderson, David (Beverly) Powell, Ross (Deborah) Anderson, Sarah Powell (Brett) Kinzer, Joellen Craft, Heather Craft (Marc) Holder, Laura Anderson (Josiah) Shearon, Gloria Powell (Ben) Gasser, Curt Anderson, Rebekah Powell (Nate) Gibson, and Adam Powell; and twelve great-grandchildren. Joe was predeceased by siblings Evelyn, Geneva (also known as Jane), Richard (Lily), and Dewey (Bonnie), and is survived by brothers David, Ray (Pauline), and Loyd (Mary), and sister Juannell (Bill) Adkins, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was born in Marshall County, Alabama on July 26, 1928 to Floyd Charles Hamilton and Jimmie Bea Dilworth Craft. After a childhood in North Alabama, he attended Berea College in Kentucky, graduating in 1950 with a major in Chemistry. In addition to academics, Joe found great success on the basketball court. Perhaps most importantly, he met Louise Laura Lewis. Upon graduation, having recently learned that he had a serious lung condition, Joe returned to Madison County and eventually recovered from tuberculosis. On May 27, 1952, Joe returned from Alabama and Louise from Virginia for their wedding in Danforth Chapel at Berea College. The new couple settled in Huntsville where Joe started his career with the Army Missile Command on Redstone Arsenal. As they raised their family in Lakewood, Joe participated in various sports, including volleyball, bowling, softball, and golf. He and Louise were a great support in their three daughters' activities, including swim team and marching band. They taught their girls to enjoy both the public library and hiking on Monte Sano, and often took vacations in North Carolina, visiting family and enjoying beaches. In 1976, Joe earned a Master's degree in computer-aided engineering at the University of Michigan. Retirement allowed Joe and Louise to travel as he played in Men's Senior Tennis tournaments. They also happily increased the time they spent with family, line dancing, and working with various volunteer organizations. As grandchildren were added to their family, Joe and Louise were important and happy participants in their lives. Their home was always a favorite place to visit, sometimes for long stays, but always for happy play which included many trike and bike and hammock rides (with songs full of on-the-spot lyrics), and many card and domino games. Joe also introduced his grandchildren to wood working, and everyone treasures the objects he carved. Joe was a founding member of the Lakewood chapter of Civitans and served in many roles throughout the years. He and Louise also spent many meaningful hours working with the clients at the Opportunity Center. Joe was also active in NARFE and their Grocery Assistance Program. In their years at the Magnolia Trace Continuing Life Community, Joe and Louise enjoyed various activities and frequent visits from family. Ceremonies are scheduled for Wednesday March 22, 2014 at Valhalla Memory Gardens (700 Winchester Road, Huntsville, AL). The family will have a private viewing at 10:00 am, followed by open visitation at 11:00 and the service at noon. Entombment will follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make contributions to Berea College, Alumni '50 Relations, CPO 2203, Berea, Kentucky, 40404; or to the Benevolent Fund at Magnolia Trace, 1 Clubhouse Avenue, Huntsville, AL, 35802; or to the organization of your choice.