Robert L. Craft

Robert L. Craft, 91, of Cayuga, Indiana, passed away on July 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 18, 1933, to Vernon and Nora Craft. He married Sharron A. Yoho on September 28, 1953; Sharron preceded him on January 27, 2021.

The couple had two children, both of which survive him: Charley (Brenda) Craft of Cayuga, Indiana and Maggie (Bill) Miller of Oakwood, Illinois. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Jason (Dainah) Craft of Fishers, Indiana, Amanda (La'Derek Ervin) Craft of Indianapolis, Indiana, Robbie (Christine) Miller of Fairmount, Illinois, and Abigail (Tim) Recker of Carmel, Indiana. Robert is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Izabela Craft, Micah Craft, Landen Ervin, Aubrey Recker, Hannah Recker, Lennox Miller, and Cooper Miller. One sister survives Robert: Mildred Pribble of Georgetown, Illinois, and two sisters-in-law, Joan Robertson of Terre Haute, Indiana and Tressie Craft of Sevierville, Tennessee. Robert was preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters: Paul Craft, Frank Craft, Elvin Craft, Jim Craft, Dick Craft, Irene Craft, Mary Virginia Craft, Dorothy Loveall, Shirley Rudd and Marilyn Dieu.

Robert worked at the General Motors Plant in Danville, Illinois for 39 years and retired in 1990. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army from May 1953 through December 1954 where he worked as a medic at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Robert wore many hats in his lifetime: he was an Assistant Boy Scout leader with his son's Boy Scout Troop and spent many weekends camping and canoeing with the Troop. He was a member of the Cayuga Lion's Club and earned the highest National Lion's Club award a member can receive: the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Humanitarian Services. Robert and his wife were honored to be Grand Marshall in 2018 for the Vermilion County Fair Parade. One of his prouder moments was being chosen as a Torchbearer for the Indiana Bi-Centennial Celebration in 2016. Robert was a long-time past President of the Cayuga Park Board and was instrumental in establishing the walking trail and erecting a new grandstand and has often been credited with helping to make the park the beautiful park it is today.

Robert was a member of the Cayuga C.A.R.E. organization, the Cayuga Senior Citizens organization and attended the Cayuga Nazarene Church. Robert was a member of the American Legion Post 263 and held many offices in his lifetime including Commander. He was a devoted veteran and dedicated many hours helping to raise funds for the Legion including the Thursday night Bingo games. He gave all veterans the respect they deserved and encouraged others to do the same.

Robert enjoyed many activities during his life which included golfing, camping, woodworking and country music. He was an immaculate dresser and preferred bright colors in his clothing choices. He also purchased a bright yellow golf cart after his wife passed and could be seen driving around town and through the park. He loved to visit with people and would sit for hours sharing his stories.

Robert's greatest love was his family. He was proud of every one of them and often proclaimed himself to be the 'luckiest man alive.' He rarely missed a child or grandchild's event and was so supportive of all they did. He taught his family to be kind and helpful to others and to give to their community; he taught them to love and respect others and was a shining example for them to follow. He will be so missed.

The family would like to thank the Elara Caring Hospice Team as well as his caregivers: Robin Drennan, Debbie Moore, Delma Rahm and Sandy Turner for their excellent care and devotion towards Robert.

Services for Robert will be held at Sunsets DeVerter Chapel in Cayuga, Indiana 215 N Division Street. On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 with visitation from 12:00 PM EST to 3:00 PM EST with funeral services to immediately follow. Robert will be accorded military rites by the American Legion Post 263. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be given to the American Legion Post 263 in memory of Robert.

Services Visitation (Eastern Standard Time) Tuesday July 9, 2024 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM DeVerter Funeral Home 215 North Division Cayuga, IN 47928 Funeral Service (Eastern Standard Time) Tuesday July 9, 2024 3:00 PM DeVerter Funeral Home 215 North Division Cayuga, IN 47928