Funeral services for Ira L. Craft, 90, of Leesville will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 3, 2009
at the Pinehill Baptist Church with Rev. E. J. Bradshaw and Rev. Jimmy “Tri” Evans III officiating. The burial will follow in the Pine Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit Wednesday, December 2 from 6 p.m. until time of service at the church. Services
are under the direction of the Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville.
Ira was a Christian who loved the Lord with all his heart, serving as a Deacon at Pinehill Baptist Church for over 53 years. He was a Mason for the last 50 plus
years a member of the Anacoco Lodge 147 of Leesville. He served our country in World War II, as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, making jumps in several of the infamous battles. He retired with the Civil Service at Fort Polk. He loved all types of
hunting especially with dogs and his stories told around the camp fires captivated everyone. He was an avid fisherman and a volunteer fireman. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, his word was his bond and in business his handshake
constituted a contract.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Belle Craft; granddaughter, Paula Dee Craft McDonald, and sister Irene “Sis” Deacon.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Vera Nell
Craft of Leesville; sons and daughters in-law, Jimmy and Sissie Craft, Bobby and Cathy Craft, all of Leesville; daughter and son in-law, Linda and Dale Behan of Fort Worth, Texas; grandsons Jim Craft and wife Robin, George Craft and wife Brandy;
Crispin Craft and wife Danielle; Rob Craft, and Chris Anderson; granddaughters, Anslea Craft Dowden and husband Raymond; Whitney Behan Martin and husband Justin; Annalisa Hernandez, and Laura Davis; great grandchildren; Josh, Miranda, Alexa,
Teighlor, Trevor, Lauren, Vanessa, Isaac Rylee, Ross, Walker, Jackson, to be born Dec. 9 Carson Drew; sisters, Mary Graham, Robbie”Bob” Neff, and Stella Brabham and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who loved him.
In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to Leesville Hospice or Pinehill Church Cemetery Fund.
Many thanks to Dr. Greg Lord and staff, Doctors Hospital, Vernon Home Health and Leesville Hospice. A special thank to Pam Erwin, his nurse and
friend.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Craft family at www.labbymemorial.com.