Michael Oren Craft

Michael Oren Craft, 63, of Katy, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, February 19, 2018. There is a very happy celebration in heaven as Mike is restored and reunited and in the presence of the Lord. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Amy, and daughter, Lauren, of Katy. Also left to cherish his memory are his uncle, Bill Craft, and cousins, Sioux Ellen Kimberling, and husband, Mike, Chris Craft, and wife Sylvia, and Allen Craft, and wife, Caryn, and his extended, selected family of dear friends whom he loved so much. He is also survived by his beloved cat companions who brought him so much joy. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Mike was born in Waco, Texas, to Joyce and Don Craft. He moved to Austin as a young boy. While still in elementary school, Mike moved to Houston. He graduated from Spring Woods High School in 1971 at the age of 16. He earned his accounting degree from the University of Houston where he was a member of the Cougar Band. Mike went on to have a successful 40-year career in information technology, having been employed by Cities Service (CITGO), Pennzoil Company, Shell Oil Company, and AT&T, retiring in 2016.

Mike had many interests and loved being active. Retiring allowed Mike to spend more time ranching. As a fifth-generation native Texan, Mike’s love of the outdoors came naturally. He spent many happy days at the 3R Ranch enjoying the beauty of God’s creation and working to make it a better place. Nothing brought him more joy than riding around in his tractor looking at his cattle, pastures and catching occasional glimpses of the wildlife inhabiting the ranch.

When not at the ranch, Mike loved traveling to see family, friends and new places. He also enjoyed baking, playing golf and trips to Disney. Mike also enjoyed many years of SCCA racing, where he was able to spend weekends with his friends and cars.

Mike was an outstanding example of how a man should live his life. He was happy and grateful for all the blessings in his life and said so daily. He was humble and wanted to be a blessing to others. He always saw the best in everyone he met, recognizing their talents and gifts and building them up. Generous with his time and money, Mike would drop everything to help anyone whenever there was a need. He never expected anything in return. He loved his family and friends deeply, and spoiled his girls at every opportunity. He liked a good meal with friends, a good joke, and a new challenge. He loved the Lord and saw His hand in everything. Many times, Mike said it was his wish that he be remembered as ‘‘one heck of a nice guy,” and so he will be. We will all miss him greatly.