of Conway, AR
July 21, 1940 - January 15, 2022
Donald Gerry Crafford passed away peacefully on January 15, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.
Don was born July 21, 1940 to Pete & Neva Crafford in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. After graduating high school, he moved to Little Rock where he met his wife Sybil and they started their family. Later, they relocated to Conway where they managed Clements Motel with Sybil's parents for 17 years. At 36 years old, Don started at the University of Central Arkansas, where he completed his degree and became a teacher at Southside High School in Bee Branch, Arkansas. He loved his students and taught for 23 years, before retiring to focus on his grandkids and beekeeping. Don prided himself in being a husband, a father, a teacher, a Beekeeper and a small-town country boy.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sybil E. Crafford; daughter Dana E. Stobaugh; son Gerry D. Crafford (Ardel); son Gregory A. Crafford (Lisa); daughter Darla K. Crafford; granddaughter Samantha E. St. John (Justin); grandsons Alexander G. Crafford (Lauren Scott and daughter Abby Scott); Andrew J. Crafford (Danielle); Anthony K. Crafford (Shelby Pearson); great-grandsons Parker R. St. John and Lincoln A. Crafford; and brother Ervin ''Gail'' Crafford (Pat). In addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Ervin ''Pete'' & Neva Crafford and his wife's parents C.D. and Flara Clements.
Memorial service will be Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. The family will have a visitation one hour prior to the memorial service in the chapel.
Don Crafford's Facebook page has been made into a memorial account where family and friends are welcome to share their memories and stories.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2:00PM at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with Visitation beginning one hour prior at 1:00PM.
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19 Condolence(s)
Ray Hurt
Sunday, May 15, 2022
Sorry to hear of Mr.Craffords passing I enjoyed his class in school
Debbie Steward
Friday, February 11, 2022
I knew Mr Crawford through Cotton Plant. My grandmother, Prudie Tipton lived there, and was good friends with Pete and Neva. We would go out to visit them and come back with peaches and watermelon (Prudie called it rattle snake watermelon, rrrrrred to the rind) and vegetables. One time, we even came home with a puppy we
named Pete. The Crawford's were so awesome, and my little brother and I looked forward to visiting them. I ran into Donald every once in a while, but I thought he lived near Southside, or else I would have visited with you all. I live in Conway. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joseph Baldwin
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Words are not enough for your loss. You and your family are in my daily prayers ðŸ™ðŸ™
Russell and Dena Bunch
Friday, January 28, 2022
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Sybil, Dana, Gary, Greg and Darla for the lost of a great husband and father. Our friendship goes back to the summer of 1970 when we married and rented a house behind the motel from Dan and Sybil. They took us under their wings and the long friendship began. We are very grateful for this long friend even with the hundred of miles between us. Dan has touched so many life's with his kindness and his love for the Lord, his family and friends. Dan never met a stranger. God Bless you Dan and we shall meet again with our Lord. We pray to the Lord to give Sybil and kids comfort during this time.
Helen Oberman
Friday, January 21, 2022
Deepest sympathies
Gary W and Jan Byrd
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Sybil we are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a fine man and a good friend. Our prayers to you and the family.
Gayla Mount
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
I loved Mr. Crafford. He was a sweet man and great teacher.
Edward and Mary Suchan
Monday, January 17, 2022
Sorry about your loss ! He was a fine gentlemen. He will be missed.
David & Tina Porter
Monday, January 17, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.
Gilbert Lewis
Monday, January 17, 2022
What a great honor to teach school with Mr. Crafford at South Side.He was a great man and a pleasure to work with at school. Prayers go out to his family and may God be with you at this time
Jana Barnett
Monday, January 17, 2022
Sybil, I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. I know you will miss him greatly. Sending love and prayers your way.
Lennette Davis
Monday, January 17, 2022
I will miss you my dear cousin.
Pam White Dunavant
Monday, January 17, 2022
Dana, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Praying God's comfort and strength for you and your family at this difficult time.
Tonie Lott
Monday, January 17, 2022
Mr. C was a hard but fair teacher. When I was diagnosed with MS he sent me a message of encouragement. After I had my daughter he would comment about her. He is one of the great teachers who helped shape so many lives. I am honored to have had him as a teacher. Though our hearts are heavy, his has been lifted. He has no more pain, sickness, or sorrow. He is rejoicing in heaven with our Lord and one day I will get to hug him again.
Phyllis Tumbleson McMillen
Sunday, January 16, 2022
So sorry for your loss. The family are in my thoughts and prayers
Kristi Parish Burris
Sunday, January 16, 2022
He was an awesome person !!!! I’m sorry for the families loss .
Chris Hutto
Sunday, January 16, 2022
So sorry to hear about Mr. Crafford. He was my teacher at South Side. He was a fine teacher and a good,Godly man. He always talked about his family and how much they meant to him. I appreciated him so much and his desire for folks to never give up on their dreams in life. Prayers for his family.
Laura Linn
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Crafford Family, prayers for your loss. I wish that I had known about Don’s illness and drive by last Sunday. Nevertheless, all of you are in my prayers.â¤ï¸
Renee Henry
Sunday, January 16, 2022
My life has been enriched by knowing Mr. Crafford. So many good memories of teaching with him at South Side. I remember his following me back to Conway in the snow just to make sure that I made it home. Such a good, kind man. I'm praying for you, Sybil, and your family for peace and comfort. If I can do anything, please let me.