Bill Craft

JONESBORO, Ill. -- William M. "Bill" Craft, 85, of Jonesboro died Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born June 24, 1928, in America, Ill., son of Joseph Guy and Veva Walker Craft.

Bill is survived by a son, James (Mary Jane) Craft of Pinckneyville, Ill.; three daughters, Jackie (Brian) Pritchett of Goreville, Ill., Jean (Jimmy) Pind of Great Bend, Kan., and Jolene (Jeff) Skambraks of New Melle, Mo.; six grandchildren, Joni Pind, Jessica (Lance) Merchant, Corey Craft Pritchett, Jame Craft, Madison Skambraks and Cooper Skambraks; two great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Ralls and Briley Merchant; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill proudly served his country as a staff sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War, receiving four bronze service medals.

He was a member of Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 in Anna, Ill.

Bill worked side by side with his mother running Craft's Grocery in Jonesboro and operated Montgomery Catalog Store in Anna. He managed the Standard Station on the Jonesboro Square many years. Before retiring, he co-owned and operated Jim and Bill on the Hill Liquor Store in Jonesboro. Bill would pass out Hostess cakes to his customers on his birthday, saying, "happy birthday to me."

He was a loving father and dearly adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent many hours volunteering at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. He will be remembered for his kind and caring nature. When Bill met a friend they became friends for life.

During high school, Bill was a proud athlete, excelling in basketball and football, holding an individual state record in football. Bill was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Ed Hoke officiating. Interment will be in Anna City Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 3455 and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit rendlemanhilemanfh.com.