Jacob “Jake” Frederick Craft, 92, of Wichita Falls passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at a local hospice. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Henrietta officiated by Pastor Randy Osborn.
Jake was born to Marcus C. and Lucy Wasson Craft on October 5, 1918 in Galesburg, IL. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1937 he attended Knox College and later became interested in flying. In 1939 he enrolled in Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK and became an instructor pilot. In 1940 Jake traveled to Canada to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. He wanted to “get into the war before it was over”. While in Canada he met the love of his life, Betty Anne Scott. Two weeks after Pearl Harbor was attacked, they were married on her eighteenth birthday, December 23, 1941.
After fulfilling his enlistment with the RCAF, Jake returned to the United States and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in Egypt and then was stationed in India where he served as a Hump pilot, flying over China, Burma, and India. After World War II, Captain Craft continued his military career and earned the rank of major while serving in the Korean War. He was also stationed in Japan, England, and Rheine Main, Germany before bringing his family to Sheppard Air Force Base in 1960. There he became part of a bomb crew flying B-52’s. In 1966 Jake retired as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. In October, 2009 he was recognized as one of the “Greatest Generation” by the DAV at the Red Door Center. At the Museum of North Texas he discussed his love of flying with a former RAF pilot who had flown in the Battle of Britain. Jake said that he had flown about 12,000 military, of which he was proud.
Jake was preceded in death by Betty Anne, his beloved wife of nearly 52 years; his parents; and a sister, Marcia Waldrep.
He survived by a daughter, Marie Craft Grimes of San Antonio; son, David Craft and wife, Paula of Wichita Falls; grandsons, Charlie Craft and Colin Craft of Wichita Falls; granddaughter, Jaclyn Craft Malone and husband David of Wichita Falls; three great-grandchildren, Tristen and Grace Craft of Graham, and Kiernan Craft of Wichita Falls; sister, Annebelle Moss of Grand Junction, CO; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will be at the home of David and Paula Craft.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, or the Humane Society of Wichita County.
Please share both your written and spoken condolences and fond memories with the Craft family at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5