Mr. Christopher A. "Chris" Craft

Christopher A. "Chris" Craft, age 73, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, October 27, 2016 at Bronson Battle Creek after a short battle with Cancer. He was born in Saginaw, Michigan on November 4, 1942, the son of Bruce and Grace (Klein) Craft. Chris was raised by his maternal grandmother, Isabel Klein in Battle Creek, where he lived his entire life, and graduated from Lakeview High School with the Class of 1960. He worked for Stedman's Market in Lakeview for many years until it closed. Chris also worked as a volunteer fireman for Battle Creek Township and retired from Lakeview Schools as a bus driver in 2007 after more than 22 years of faithful service. Chris married his loving wife of more than 47 years, Charlene Meyers, in Battle Creek on May 31, 1969; she survives. He is also survived by a step-brother, William Craft, and four nieces. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, a step-brother, Richard Craft, and a step-sister, Marylynn Conrad. Chris was a past-chairman of the Emmett Township Planning Commission, current chairman of the Emmett Township Zoning Board and member of the Board of Review. He enjoyed driving many of the Lakeview sports teams to their events and volunteered at many MHSAA championships held in Battle Creek over the years. Chris was a lifelong member of the former Lakeview and Marshall Lions Clubs, and served as the drop-off coordinator for the area eyeglass program for many years, and also volunteered for the Boy Scouts for over 55 years. Chris was also a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the Battle Creek Model Railroad Club, and together with Charlene were members of the VMCCA Car Club and took many enjoyable trips with the club. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Marshall Lions Club, the Battle Creek Model Railroad Club or the American Cancer Society – Great Lakes Division. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.