Gene Crafts

Gene Crafts, 83, Nevada, Mo., died April 11, 2004, at his residence. He was born on Oct. 4, 1920, in Champaign, Ill.

Mr. Crafts served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until his retirement in 1967. He served during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Cuban Conflict and Vietnam. Mr. Crafts was united in marriage to Erna Mae Mullins on Jan. 24, 1946, in Madison, Ind. Mr. Crafts was then employed as Supply Manager for the Nevada State Hospital retiring in 1983.

Mr. Crafts was a member of the Pine Street Baptist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Navy FRA.

Survivors include his wife Erna Mae, of the home; a son, Gary Ray Crafts, St. Peters, Mo.; two daughters, Brenda Sue Paligo, Aubran, Wash., and Debra Jean Chapman, Nevada, Mo.; six grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Sipe, Deapty, Ind. He was preceded in death by one son, Rodney Lynn; his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 14, at Evergreen Memorial Chapel with the Rev. David D. Landwehr officiating. Interment will follow in the Newton Burial Park. Friends may call after noon Tuesday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel and the family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Foundation in care of Evergreen Memorial Chapel.