(August 4, 1942 – May 24, 2019)
Mikual “Mike” Lynn Craft, 76, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Abilene, Texas on May 24, 2019. Mike was born on Aug 4, 1942 in Temple, TX to Jack Sydney Craft and Gwen Shapland. He was the oldest of four children. He then moved to live with his Uncle Lem and Aunt Verna Brock who raised the children as their own. Mike graduated from Plainview High School in 1960, then enlisted in the Navy on Aug 24, 1961. He served out his enlistment on a destroyer in foreign waters. After the Navy, Mike attended Tarleton State University.
Mike met and married the love of his life, Sherry Helms (Ratliff), on Oct 4, 1991. Mike raised his family in Stephenville, TX where he had a prominent career as an Entrepreneur and Real Estate Broker. Mike and his family were members of Johnsville Church of Christ. This 6’6” cowboy always lived life to its fullest. Mike was a one of a kind father to his children, loved his entire family and the friends he made along the way. Mike loved being outside on the farm in his spare time, whether it was riding his tractor, supporting his family at competitive events and raising horses.
In 2007, Mike moved to Abilene to pursue real estate opportunities. There he and Sherry devoted themselves to the local, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6873. He served as District 8 Chaplain for many years, a seat he still held at the time of his passing.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sherry, his children Julie Craft and husband Robert Ogle of Comanche, Amy Tiner and husband Ronnie of Stephenville, India Russel of Arlington, Tiffany and husband Rob Keasler of Abilene, Chris and wife Missy Helms of Stephenville; his siblings, Pam Craft Clayton, Jack and wife Yelena Craft, Paula Brakhage and foster sister Lenora Shores. Mike’s grandchildren are Emily and husband Tate Miller, Natalie and wife Callie Myers, Shelby Russell, Jett Tiner, Zachary Keasler, Savannah Keasler, Caleb Miller, Sydney Russell, Riley Helms, and Knealey Helms. Great grandchildren Sunny Marie Miller and Jackson Tate Miller.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Sydney, and his mother, Gwen, Uncle Lem and Aunt Verna Craft, Uncle Sammie Craft, his brother in law David Clayton, and his grandchild Erin Tiner.
A memorial service will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 1, 2019. A private burial will be held the following week at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas. Monetary donations may be made at First Financial Bank to Sherry Craft in leu of flowers.
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