Harold Crader

Harold Dean Crader, 63, of Hawk Point, Mo., formerly of Burfordville, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, June 20, 2011. He suffered a long battle with cancer.

He was born March 14, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, to Linus and Marie Brotherton Crader. Harold was raised in Burfordville, right alongside the old mill and bridge. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1966. He and Linda Kay Bowers were married June 3, 1966, and moved north for employment.

They settled in Hawk Point and were blessed with three children. Harold worked 38 years for General Motors in St. Louis and Wentzville, retiring in 2006.

Harold was a 34-year member of Hawk Point Baptist Church, and served as a deacon many years. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting deer, fishing and telling stories about both. He also enjoyed riding his Harley.

He was the type of person who could make anyone smile, and he never met a stranger. If you met Harold, you liked him. If you never had the opportunity to meet him, hopefully you have someone like him in your life. He will be missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Linda Kay of Hawk Point; two sons, Michael of Temple, Okla., Richard Crader of Sugar Creek, Mo.; a daughter, Tina Crader of Hawk Point; a sister, Gloria Brotherton of Burfordville; a brother, Randy (Martha) Crader of Millersville; three grandsons, Michael Wayne, Dallas Wayne, and Jacob Allen; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Saturday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dale Kirkendoll officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.