October 3, 1942 - February 21, 2014
Cecil Harold Craft, 71, passed away on February 21 at Baylor Hospital in Irving, Texas. He was born on October 3, 1942 in Dallas, Texas to Cecil and Alma Craft.
Cecil grew up in Irving, Texas. He graduated Irving High School in 1961 where he was a National Merit Scholar. After high school, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. He worked for T.I. back when they used data punch cards and later created Craft Enterprises, Inc.
Cecil married Ann on tax day in 1966. They were happily married for 48 years. He enjoyed wood working, wine, traveling with Ann, and spending time with his grandsons.
Cecil is survived by his spouse Ann; his sons, Chris and Aaron; his daughters-in-law, Tracey and Angie; his grandsons, Connor, Colin and Dylan; his brother Rick and sisters, Beverly and Sandy.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to The American Heart Association in memory of Cecil H. Craft or online at the memorial page
http://honor.americanheart.org/site/TR/Events/General;jsessionid=CD530D6FDB563352E25E00BA446D3200.app243a?pg=fund&fr_id=1030&pxfid=264346
Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site.
Arrangements are under the direction of:
Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home
1820 N. Belt Line Road
Irving, Texas 75061
29 replies on “Craft, Cecil H.”
Ann and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Ann, Chris and Aaron – my thoughts are with you at this time. Please be comforted by the fact that many people loved Cecil, and by your wonderful memories of him. I will never forget him or his many kindnesses to Faye over the years.
Susan and I were privileged to meet and know Ann and Cecil twice, once on a cruise in 2000 and then at our house in Warrenton, VA in 2012 where they joined us an numerous friends for a week’s worth of fun. He was a great (and funny) guy and his loss is felt by many. Our condolences go to Ann and Cecil’s remaining family who will keep his spirit alive forever.
Dear Ann, Chris, Aaron and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Leo Buscaglia”
Please accept my sincere sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mr. Craft was such a kind man. He was always gracious and shared his beautiful family home on Halloween evenings for the past two years with my family so our son Foster could trick or treat in his neighborhood. I respect and admire your beautiful family so much and we are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Ann and family: Wishing you peace at this time. We had no idea and will miss seeing you both out riding your bikes. Psalms 34:18
Blessings, Linda and Roy Schriner
Our sincere sympathy goes to Ann and the Craft familly.
Ann, Chris and Aaron and all the family, know that I grieve with you. Cecil was an uncle to me. And you all have always been family. Know I am here for you. I love you guys!
Ann and family, I am sorry for your loss. Cecil was always the best to be around & gave the bunch of us at A&P the gold standard to be the best we could be in every respect.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to Ann and the whole Craft family.
Ann, We just heard of your loss and we are sad to hear this. Many times life takes over our schedule and we forget about the wonderful people around us. Cecil was such a person and we thank Our Heavenly Father for the opportunity of meeting the both of you. We pray to Him that He will give you peace and comfort during this time.
Ann and family: We are not really friends or even acquaintances, but we’ve met in the past. As neighbors in Sherwood Forest, having lived here for 24 years, we know Cecil was part of the very heart of our neighborhood. We appreciate all that he and you have done to make our lives better over the years and mourn his passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. – Bob and Sue Lehrberger
Please accept out deepest sympahy for your loss. We are sorry that we did not know Cecil well, but the Craft family has been good neighbors for many years.
Ann, Aaron, and Chris, there are few people that you chance to meet and immediately they become a friend for life. Cecil was one of those “friends for life”. He was kind, soft spoken, smart and extremely talented. He proudly talked of his family, especially his grandkids. He always made us feel welcomed into your home when we would come to visit and we enjoyed traveling to Ann Arbor, MI with him to the machining workshop. I learned a lot from him and I will miss him dearly. Please know that you will be in our hearts and we are so sorry for your loss. Randy (and Nancy) Ray
We are praying for the peace that passes all understanding to fill you, your family and all those who love Cecil.
I have known Cecil all my life. Our
mothers visited when we were in grade school We went to East Elementary and graduated Irving High School together. I felt very close to Cecil and we shared lots of memories. I know he was loved by many. He certainly will be missed by many friends and family.
Rest in peace my life long friend,
Jackie Lane Dale
Ann & Family, we are so very sorry for your sudden loss &
sincerely hope you can find some peace. Cecil will be missed by the entire neighbors, he was a special person &
a wonderful neighbor.
Ann: We are so sorry. He was a great man, husband and father and not to mention extrememly talented. Every Christmas we would think of Cecil everytime we heard a song or narrative by Burl Ives since we felt that Cecil looked a lot like Burl Ives. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help you. We are sending our prayers to give you and your family strength.
Ann, please know that if you need anything you can contact us at any time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time.
Ann,
We were so surprised and sorry to hear about Cecil passing. I know it will be very difficult because the two of you were like one, you were always together for as long as I have known you. God’s love will surround you during this time of sorrow and with time and the happy memories you shared with Cecil will make your life enjoyable, again. You’re in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything please call me.
Your friend,
Eva
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I remember Cecil from high school as being kind and friendly. I had lost contact over the years but for several years kept in contact with Beverly. My prayers are with you and your family.
May I please express my deepest sympathy to Cecil’s entire family. Cecil was a great friend of mine throughout grade school until graduation. He was always the one I was trying to beat! It was a friendly competition as he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help on anything. I know you will miss him.
I met Cecil during our first Woodcarvers Users Group meeting last month. Very good man and left a good impression on me. He even brought his handgun and knife grips that he carved as I was always impressed by the way he made them. Rest in Peace my friend and I’ll see you on the other side… JerryB
We are truly saddened to hear of Cecil’s passing. Cecil was such a kind and gentle person who did so much for the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood. He will be greatly missed. May God’s love embrace you and provide you with comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Beverly and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
Please allow this belated condolence to go to Cecil’s family. For some reason – most likely the prompting of the Holy Spirit – I decided to search for a few of my old Irving High friends with whom I have lost contact. This notice of Cecil’s passing surprised and saddened me. As others have said, Cecil had a fine mind. [We routinely engaged in courteous math competition, most of which he won.] More importantly, I recall that he was ever the gentleman who acted kindly toward others. Dear family and close friends, please accept my sincere prayer that indeed you feel blessed to have had him in your lives. Looking back, I know that most certainly I have.
Just ran across this through a roundabout course and was greatly saddened to hear of Cecil’s passing. Even though I had not seen Ann or Cecil since the kids were little, I have many fond memories of our friendship. Lot of bridge, a bit of scotch :-), and memories of good times. Condolences to Ann, Aaron, Chris, and all their extended families. Cecil was a fun guy to be around. I know you all miss him greatly.