Michael Eugene Craft

February 25, 1938 - December 28, 2020

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Kilpatrick's Memorial Garden

1270 LA-544

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-3999 |

Saturday 1/2, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Private Family Graveside Service

cemetery

Kilpatrick's Memorial Garden

1270 LA-544

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-3999 |

Saturday 1/2, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Michael E. Craft

Michael E. Craft, 82, of Ruston, Louisiana, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, December 28, 2020, at North Louisiana Medical Center following a brief illness. The family will have a private viewing at Kilpatrick’s Funeral Home followed by a private graveside service at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens with Dr. Edwin Davis officiating on Saturday, January 2, 2021.

Mike was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Mike was born February 25, 1938, in South Carolina and passed away on December 28, 2020, in Ruston, Louisiana.

Mike graduated from Hickory Tavern High School in Laurens County, South Carolina, where he played baseball, football and basketball. Mike proudly served the National Guard of South Carolina, even fudging his age so he could join at age 17.

Mike met and married the love of his life, the former Lyndelle Yvonne Strawhorn of Ware Shoals, South Carolina, on September 13, 1959 and they made their first home in Laurens, South Carolina.

Mike was a certified mold maker and accomplished machinist at Laurens Glass Works, and transferred to Louisiana with his young family in 1968 when the company built a new plant in Ruston. He was promoted to Superintendent of the Mold Department and was one of only a few men tapped by the company to help establish a new plant in Louisiana. An active local businessman, Mike left the glass plant after 16 years to open Craft Machine Works (later MEC Enterprises) then Ruston’s Locker Room.

Mike was an active member of Laurens and of Ruston, coaching both Little League and Dixie League baseball in both communities. More recently, he was a founding member of the local Buddy Ball organization in Ruston. A lifelong baseball player, coach and fan, Mike thoroughly enjoyed participating as a player in the Philadelphia Phillies Phantasy Camp Dream Week at age 60.

Mike was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, having served as a Deacon and Elder and in leadership roles on the Session for several terms. He was a past member of the Ruston Jaycees having served as President and also Chairman of the local international exchange student program. He was a past member of the Ruston City Council as well as the Ruston Moose Lodge, and was a Mason in Laurens, South Carolina and in Ruston, Louisiana.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Anna Mae Craft; brother: Dwight Craft; brother: Earnie Craft; sister: Rebecca Craft Koch; and brother-in-law: Dr. Gary Cottingim.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Yvonne Strawhorn Craft; two children: son Douglas Michael Craft and wife Carren of The Woodlands, TX; daughter Peggy Renee Craft of Baton Rouge; four grandchildren who loved their Pau Pau: Samantha Craft Kaufman and husband Brad of The Woodlands, TX; Clark Michael Craft and wife Melanie of Magnolia, TX; Tiffany Craft Blair and husband Ross of Stavanger, Norway; and Lyndelle Michele Craft of Baton Rouge; six great-grandchildren: Valen, Lena and Camden Kaufman; Porter and Nolan Craft; and Astrid Blair; beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/), the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home (https://lumcfs.org/donate/) or The Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner St., Ruston, LA 71270. The family welcomes online memorial messages at https://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com/

Kilpatrick's Memorial Garden

1270 LA-544

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-3999 | Map

Saturday 1/2, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Private Family Graveside Service

Kilpatrick's Memorial Garden

1270 LA-544

Ruston, LA 71270

318-255-3999 | Map

Saturday 1/2, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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Michael E. Craft Michael E. Craft, 82, of Ruston, Louisiana, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, December 28, 2020, at North Louisiana Medical Center following a brief illness. The family will have a private viewing at Kilpatrick’s Funeral Home followed by a private graveside service at Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens with Dr. Edwin DavisContinue Reading

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My deepest condolences to the entire Craft family. Mr. Mike was a dear sweet man and > always enjoyed running into him and getting to visit for a few moments. My heart goes out to you all! ?

Mrs Craft, Doug and Renee: My prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow and sadness. Mr Mike always had words of encouragement and support during my days as a ball player.

So so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to Mom Yvonne, Doug, Renee and the entire family . To know Mike, was to love him. Such a Wonderful human being. He will truly be missed. I thank the Lord for the time our paths crossed from early childhood to adulthood. A mentor I will never forget. Rest in Peace young man.

Mike was a wonderful grandparent to our grandchildren, a wonderful father in law to my daughter, and a vibrant unforgettable citizen of the community. He will be missed not only by his wife and children but by the citizens of Ruston, his church, and those of us who saw him only occasionally. God bless.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

So sorry for your loss of this kind man. Praying for your family.

I loved Mike like a brother. He meant the world to me. Sooo many wonderful family memories through the years; one of my favorite was going on dates with him and my sweet sis. Yes, and even sitting in the front seat of the car between the two of them. He will be missed by all of us. Sis, he loved you more than life itself. Doug and Renee, y’all were blessed with the best dad ever. My love to all. ❤️??❤️??❤️??

Rest In Peace

We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Mike visited my store often to buy cards for the Mrs. He was always happy and he made me feel good as well. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Mike was a good man and my 1st cousin. I got some very good advice several years ago that you should always keep your “I love you’s” up to date. The Craft’s are spread all over the country, mostly making our adult lives and Mike and I were no exception. We were fortunate to reconnect and visit each other’s homes in Rustin and San Antonio. I’m very glad we have kept our “I love you’s” up to date. Mike ... I will miss you, but I know you are in a better place. Love you Mike and Yvonne. Joe and Janice Craft

In memory of Michael Eugene Craft, Delores Brewer lit a candle

In memory of Michael Eugene Craft, Marcie Cupit lit a candle

Yvonne, Norm and I have always thought of you and Mike as special friends. We were a good team when organizing Church functions. Mike always had an encouraging word for Skip. Mike will be sorely missed by many.

Yvonne and family - Please know that my heartful thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

We were friends for over 50 years and Mike's passing is a very personal loss that I share with each family member, espeically Yvonne and Doug. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you seek God's comfort and peace and as you celebrate the life of this very good man. Bobby Conville

We are sorry for your loss. Yvonne, Renee, and Doug, our condolences to you and your family.

FROM ME AND MY FAMILY OUR PRAYERS TO THE CRAFT FAMILY, HOLD ON TO GOD'S UNCHANGING HAND?

Yvonne, Renee, Doug, and families, My sincere condolences to you all. I am so sorry for your and our loss. May God bless you and may he hold you in the palm of his hand.

Doug, Carren, and all the family, we are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for all of you during this most difficult time.

I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a very nice man.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Mr Craft and I (along with his wife) made an instant bond. Having moved to LA and being raised in SC (Greenwood), we made an instant connection. A wonderful man, husband and citizen of Ruston, I know he will be truly missed. His store my always my go-to, especially for school/sports needs. Love and prayers for the Craft family from the Crook family, now residing in SC!

Yvonne, I am so sorry to learn of Mike's passing. Mike was a good man and I was honored to call him friend. You and your family are in Norlyn and my prayers.

So sorry for your loss.He was a special person.Have great memories of working with him.

Mr. Mike had one of the most positive and influential impacts on me growing up. I worked at the Locker Room he owned from the time I was a senior in high school until I graduated from college in 2011 and even some into 2012. Mr. Mike took me, a quiet, short, awkward homeschooler, and gave me a chance to work for him at his store. I wasn't like any of the other athletes and people who frequented his store but he saw something in me I didn't know was there. Mr. Mike always believed in me and encouraged me, and showed me how to be a good leader, mentor, and friend to others. I witnessed several unaccredited acts of kindness he showed countless people that walked in that store. And I could write a very long letter from all of the kind things he did for me during my time there. Mr. Mike loved me like one of his own, he was a mentor, a great boss, and a godly friend. I thank God for the time he allowed me with him and know how many people he impacted. Mrs. Yvonne, I also want to thank you for all you've done for me and know I will be lifted you and the rest of the family up in prayer. God Bless.

Mike Craft was such a good man. Most folks will never know how much he did for the youth in Ruston. Thank you, Mr. Craft.

Many a fond memory of Mr.Craft when Clark and Luke played little league together. Prayers for the family

Yvonne, my heart hurts for you...I'm so very sorry about Mike. John and I always enjoyed seeing you two whether at a Tech baseball game or out to eat. Many prayers for you and your family. Vergie Shealy

Godspeed Mr. Craft! You were a such a good man to us all and I appreciated your time so much as a kid growing up coaching us at the national guard armory ! Sending Prayers of comfort and peace to all the Craft Family.

I am so sorry to hear this. Mike will be missed but many people. Mike would do anything for anybody. Prayers RIP my friend!!

Yvonne, Doug and Renee, we join you in your sorry in the loss of Mike. Likewise we celebrate with you his well spent life. We were all blessed and honored to share in his life.

Mr. Mike will always be remembered as a pillar of the Rustin community. He was an outstanding man! When my father was diagnosed with ALS he offered to print the shirts for a fundraiser at no charge. He was always willing to help a person in need. He helped me as a young coach, and taught me that you have to coach each kid hard, but most importantly you have to love them! Mr. Mike will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the Craft family.

Thinking of the entire Craft family and praying that God will help heal the pain and replace it with wonderful memories. We have now lived in Greenwood, SC for longer than did in Ruston. Love both areas as I know you must.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.