Wilson Craft

Wilson "Woody" Craft, 91, of Leemon, Mo., passed away Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at the Jackson Manor Nursing Home in Jackson.

He was born July 15, 1917, at Neelys Landing, son of Tom and Collie Phillips Craft. He and Grace Abernathy were married Dec. 9, 1939, in Jackson.

Woody was inducted into the U.S. Navy on Jan. 8, 1945. He served on the USS Cabot in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was honorably discharged Nov. 23, 1945.

He was a lifelong farmer and worked 30 years at the former Lenco in Jackson, retiring in 1977. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church near Pocahontas more than 60 years and was active in the Sunday school department and various committees.

Loving survivors include his wife of 68 years, Grace of Jackson; two sons, Larry (Sheila) Craft and Wilson (Pat) Craft, all of Jackson; two daughters, Janet (Jose) Elaydo of Jackson, Margaret (Lester) Mayfield of Scott City; a sister, Eutha Walker of Jackson; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter and many brothers and sisters.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to service time Monday at New Bethel Baptist Church near Pocahontas. The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Revs. Don Slatton and John Rhodes officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with graveside military honors.

The family suggests memorials to New Bethel Cemetery Fund. Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com. McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.