ROCK FALLS – Richard L. Craft, 59, of Rock Falls, died Saturday, May 9, 2015, at his home.
He was born Dec. 13, 1955, in Sterling, the son of Howard B. and Eileen (Grennan) Craft. Richard attended St. Mary Grade School. He was a 1974 graduate of Newman Central Catholic High School, where he excelled in cross country and track and was a state qualifier. Richard attended Illinois Benedictine College. He married Sally Stokes. Richard was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, where he served on the funeral luncheon ministry. He was a third degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 662 in Sterling. He was an active volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, and was employed by P.A.D.S. shelter in Sterling.
Surviving are his children, Tom Craft of Springfield, and Sara (Tom) Lamb of Beaver Creek, Ohio, and their mother, Sally Craft of Springfield; three sisters, Elaine (Michael) Steinbach of Spring, Texas, Kate (Tom) Tredway of Hampton, and Clare (Tom) Peterson of Geneva; six brothers, Paul (Evelyn) Craft of Tucson, Arizona, Jim (Ann) Craft of Rock Falls, Ted (Barb) Craft of Glen Ellyn, Doug (Terry) Craft of Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Howard (Teresa) Craft and Mike (Julie) Craft, both of Sterling; his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Craft of Dixon; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Donald Craft, Timothy Craft, and William Craft.
Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, with the Rev. James Keenan, celebrant, officiating. A gathering of friends and family will follow at the church's parish center. Private burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling. McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.