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Lewis John Craft

1927 - 2013

Lewis John Craft obituary, 1927-2013, Villa Park, IL

BORN

1927

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery - Oak Brook Terrace

17w201 Roosevelt Road

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

Lewis Craft Obituary

LEWIS JOHN CRAFT Born: February 24, 1927; Clayton, IL Died: December 23, 2013; Villa Park Lewis John Craft, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, died peacefully at home in Villa Park, IL, on December 23, 2013. John lived 86 years as a God serving man, devoted to his loving wife Clara, seven children, nineteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Known as John, he was born to Mamie Elizabeth (Anderson) and Lewis John Craft, Sr., of Clayton Illinois on February 24, 1927. He was raised on the family farm with two brothers and four sisters: Clarence, Lawrence, Irma, Emma Lee, Zelma Marie and Veta Mae. Emma Lee resides in California and his parents and other siblings will be welcoming him home in heaven. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, a BS in Electrical Engineering, and an MS in Engineering. It was there that John met and courted the love of his life of 64 years, Clara. They wed September 4, 1949 and moved to the Villa Park IL area where they worked, served their community and church and raised 7 children. John was employed at Sunbeam Corporation for 28 years retiring as Manager of Motor Development, where he oversaw development and manufacturing of products, including the kitchen mixer, blender, and electric razors. In addition to his passion for engineering, John was also passionate about the law. John graduated in 1964 with his Juris Doctor from Kent School of Law. John opened a general practice law firm with Clara 's help, who worked alongside him for 30 years. As an attorney in his community he provided legal guidance to many clients who trusted his honest and fair approach. His professional life was not the only place where John made an impact. Dedicated to the idea that one should live life as an example to others, John was active in the community his entire life. He served 12 years (8 as president) on the Salt Creek District 48 school board, was a Charter member and member for more than 50 years of the Christian Church of Villa Park, he helped in the development of the Oakbrook Terrace volunteer Fire Department, was a member of the Beacon Hill Retirement Community Advisory Council, served as an arbitrator for the courts, also a former member of Villa Park Kiwanis, Villa Park Chamber of Commerce and Villa Park Masonic Lodge. As dedicated as John was to the community, there was never a man more dedicated to his family. In addition to being a stable patriarch, John taught his children and grandchildren the importance of education, hard work, and living a Christian life. He ensured his legacy by supporting his children and grandchildren in their academic pursuits, for which they are forever grateful. John also left his family with many wonderful bonding times and memories of large family vacations to Disney World, Disney Land, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and multiple other locations around the United States. John is survived by his wife Clara and his children Phyllis (Robert) Habib, Ruth (John) Martin, Ellen (Lewis) Phillips, Beth Morgan, Carl (Dawn), Donna (David) Cain, and Don (Janice). He was a devoted grandfather to Christina, Elana and Tamara Habib; Rebecca and Kimberly Martin; Marcous, Victoria, and Walter Phillips; Briana and Timothy Morgan; Ginger and Sean Zuidgeest and Adrianna and Elaina Craft; Theresa, Rachel, and Deborah Cain; Jessica Craft, and Erik Craft-Hart; and great-grandson Jocobi Habib, dear friend of Julie Giese-Craft and Gary Morgan. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Funeral Service will be 11 am Saturday, December 28, 2013 with visitation Friday from 3-7 pm and Saturday 10-11 am all at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL for more information please call 630-941-7497 or visit www.chapelhillgardenswestfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Dec. 27, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Lewis Craft

Sponsored by Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery - Oak Brook Terrace.

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Michael Rubin

March 8, 2014

John Craft was instrumental in forming my career. He taught me how to close a purchase. He taught me about politics and indeed he taught me about life. I don't know that I would be where I am in life had he not taken me under his wing and taught me some 15 years ago when I was a very your employee at his title company of choice. Thank you John. Thank you.

Beth Morgan

January 26, 2014

Your will be an empty chair at the table now, but it will be filled with loving memories of trips, gifts and your amazing life journey. Your legacy will live in our hearts and we will cherish our memories of a wonderful father and grandfather. We love you and we will miss you always,
Love Beth, Briana and Tim

Carl Craft

December 30, 2013

A story often told by you was about a man that told you when you were about 12 that you would never amount to anything... Way to prove him so, so wrong. Just an amazing life you had. I salute you as one of the members of the greatest generation.
Love your son, Carl

Bob Goldin

December 28, 2013

John was one of my heroes going back to the early 1970's when I began my career with State Farm Insurance in Lombard. I'm not sure how it happened where he got my name, perhaps one of my insured's had recommended me. John was helping a number of Vietnamese immigrants get situated here in the US and in order for them to work they needed cars and of course John encouraged them to have car insurance. Well we were able to help most of these refugees out with obtaining insurance for them. I learned a very important lesson from working with John, here he was an attorney, a professional earning a good living and yet he was taking the time ot help these people in need. That really helped reinforce the belief that we are in fact here on earth with a primary purpose of helping others. I will never forget that lesson and try to live doing the best I can in assisting others. I pray the good Lord will comfort all the Crafts and their friends in the loss of John.

Jim Price

December 28, 2013

I have many memories of good times with Uncle John, Aunt Clara, and all of this extended family, spanning my whole lifetime. I remember many times when John would go out of his way to visit and spend time with us. When sightseeing was part of the plan, it was that much better to do it with all of you. It was clear how important family connections were. Along with Uncle John's dedication to our broad family, and his generosity in sharing with all of us, his dedication and enjoyment of everything he did was apparent, and his humor added to that enjoyment. One such moment was a few years ago when I was in Chicago for a business trip, and Uncle John left his office for my late afternoon arrival at O'Hare airport. On the drive home, he was telling me about a court case that day, when the judge noticed that John was older than many of the attorneys, and remarked “I can tell you really enjoy what you do.” Uncle John said “yes”, and the judge, who was also up in years, said “you know what, I really do too!” Remembering these moments gives meaning to the thought that while we miss Uncle John, his life is truly something to celebrate.

Bev Farrell

December 28, 2013

Dear Aunt Clara and all our Cousins. I wish we could be with you today as you celebrate Uncle John's life. He was so generous with us and we always looked forward to your California visits. I have fond memories of the Disneyland trip. John was so welcoming to Jeni and even though Mandy called him Uncle, he was the only Grandfather that she knew. Love and comfort to you all.

Emma Lee and Judy Price

December 27, 2013

Dear Clara and Family: We will always remember John as a wonderful, loving, and generous brother, uncle, and friend. Our years of memories together will never be forgotten. With love and comforting prayers, Emma Lee Price, Judy Price, and Rick Pipkin

Nanette Potee

December 27, 2013

Dear Craft Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of being together over the years. Your father's bright smile resides in all of you. Many Blessings to you all.

Milt Potee

December 27, 2013

It was my good fortune to have known and worked with John for many years.

December 27, 2013

Beth,

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Love Tori , Greg and Zach Harris

Jon Zaley, Odeum Expo Ctr & VP Chamber Bd of Directors

December 27, 2013

So sorry to hear. Thoughts & prayers with the entire family.

Kelly Matyas

December 26, 2013

Ruth we are so sorry to learn of your dads passing. He was an incredible example for all. He has left an amazing legacy. May you, John, your kids and whole family find peace in that. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Much Love,
Kelly, Ethan, Jake, Charlie & Gracie.

Mark Scifo

December 26, 2013

Our deepest condolences goes out to the Craft-Cain families. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Jane reid

December 26, 2013

I remember how considerate John was with my father who was in a nursing home and whose memory was not what it once was. John had to have Dad sign some papers and patiently and with considerable kindness helped him understand what needed to be done. I thank him for that.

Donna Cain

December 26, 2013

Dad, I grew up in your law office with you and followed in your footsteps. You showed me how to care about clients and to serve in the community. You will be missed, but each of us will carry you in our hearts.

Laura Nettleton

December 25, 2013

You will be truly missed. You were a great man! May you rest in peace in your heavenly home.

Ruth Martin

December 24, 2013

Dad,
You will be greatly missed. I have known you for my lifetime. I will need to learn how to travel a new road. May you rest in peace.

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Memorial Events
for Lewis Craft

Dec

27

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery - Oak Brook Terrace

17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Dec

28

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery - Oak Brook Terrace

17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Dec

28

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery - Oak Brook Terrace

17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Funeral services provided by:

Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery - Oak Brook Terrace

17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

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