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Charles "Chuck" Craft
Charles "Chuck" Craft
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Charles Craft Obituary
Charles Arthur Craft of El Paso, Texas, passed away Friday, June 25, 2010. A quadriplegic for the last seven years of his life, Chuck died of complications from pneumonia at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, to Peggy and Charlie Craft, Chuck grew up in La Grange, Illinois. He loved music, especially the Beatles, and played in rock and roll bands through high school and college. He studied mechanical engineering and psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Rita, daughter Amanda, his sister Debbie Mohar and her husband, Jim, and their sons Ben and Josh and his cousins Denis Craft and Colete Cubrda.
Born: Apr 05, 1952
Died: Jun 25, 2010
49 Entries
Rita Craft
July 13, 2010
Take a sad song and make it better.
After March 6, 2003, we knew life would never be the same, but Chuck never changed. He fought hard to survive and get back as much control over his body as he could. He kept his sense of humor and his determination to make everything around him work the way he wanted it to. When he couldn´t be at home any more he still worried about us and always wanted me to tell him what was broken so he could tell me how to fix it. He drove his caregivers crazy but they loved him. The nurses at UMC Medical ICU in Lubbock called him family. Their stories about him made me laugh and cry. He was one of a kind and he knew how to make an impression. And everybody knew how much he loved the Beatles. I loved him and I miss him more than I can say.
Jim Emshoff
July 20, 2010
Chuck was my best friend through high school and college. When I met him in 7th grade, I knew how to play the piano - but Chuck taught me to sing and play in a rock band - how to pick out chords, find harmonies, improvise, and generally conduct myself as the rock star he and I were from 7th grade through the end of college. We discovered life together in all of the ways people learn and grow from ages 12 to 22. He was my roomate in the dorm, and then in two other infamous houses in Urbana, Illinois. Some of these stories are best left unprinted! We both got married shortly after college - he was my best man and I was his. In later years, we were mostly in touch by phone. Chuck ALWAYS remembered my birthday - and called every time. It was on my birthday in May 2003 that I heard a voice that was virtually unrecognizable as my Chuck. From then on, it was my honor to do my best to support him. I am glad he will suffer no more - but I will miss him dearly. He will live on in the many ways he influenced me, his family, and many others.
Tom Schooler
July 18, 2010
What can I say about Chuck? I first met him in Danville, Illinois when he came to work for Valmont Electric as a purchasing agent. I seemed to always have problems with my purchase orders which he would take care of. Then the company moved to El Paso, Texas where we got to know each other better. It did not take long to discover he was a Beatles Fan, especially when a Beatles song was played. He would set back, strum his imaginary guitar, sing along with the music and he was good. There are no words to express how much his whimsical wisdom and food for thought comments will be missed.
Tom Schooler
Duran DeBons
July 16, 2010
I never knew the man. But for someone to bring up a daughter like Amanda, he must have been a great person and a great dad. My prayers go out to all of his family to help deal with this loss, and to always hold dear to everything he was and all of his teachings.
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Debbie Craft Mohar
July 15, 2010
Chuck - my memories are so much from our youth and your early college years. Once you moved to Texas, we unfortunately didn't see each other much - but we still talked. Your Abstraction years were so exciting and I was so proud of my big brother standing up there singing and looking "sexy as can be". Everyone loved you! I do know how much you loved Rita and Amanda - in fact you in many "worshiped" them. You will be so sorely missed, but I know you are no longer suffering and are with the Lord. I love you Chuck!!!!!!
Your loving sister, Debbie
Connie Lesh
July 15, 2010
Too bad I never knew Chuck better. So sorry about his early departure.
(6/2/2003) - Just arrived in rehab. He was practicing his pathetic face for the physical therapists. Didn't faze them a bit.
July 31, 2010
(1/7/2009)
July 31, 2010
His favorite Christmas elf - (12/25/2003)
July 31, 2010
Christmas in hospital - (12/25/2003)
July 31, 2010
(11/26/2003)
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(9/18/2003)
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Halloween dress-up day 2 - (1997)
July 18, 2010
Holiween dress-up day 1 - (1997)
July 18, 2010
Christmas Exchange 4 - (2000)
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Christmas Exchange 3 - (2000)
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Christmas Exchange 2 - (2000)
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Christmas Exchange 1 - (2000)
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Christmas Party - (1994)
July 18, 2010
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
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