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.
Sorry to hear of Mr.Craffords passing I enjoyed his class in school
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.
Words are not enough for your loss. You and your family are in my daily prayers ðŸ™ðŸ™
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.
Deepest sympathies
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.
I loved Mr. Crafford. He was a sweet man and great teacher.
Sorry about your loss ! He was a fine gentlemen. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.
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
Sybil, I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. I know you will miss him greatly. Sending love and prayers your way.
I will miss you my dear cousin.
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.
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.
So sorry for your loss. The family are in my thoughts and prayers
He was an awesome person !!!! I’m sorry for the families loss .
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.
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¸
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.