Donald Fredrick Craycraft
Donald Fredrick Craycraft, 88, passed away on January 7, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on March 8, 1934 to James and Nora (Otworth) Craycraft in Franklin Furnace, Ohio.
After graduating from Green Township High School in 1952, Donald joined the United States Navy where he specialized as an Airplane Mechanic in the Naval Aviation Division.
While enlisted, he was part of Operation Red Wing in the Marshall Islands. He married the love of his life, Emily (Slusher) on July 15, 1972 in Wheelersburg, Ohio. They eventually settled in Beaverton, Michigan in 1979.
He began a 30 year Career with Dow Chemical Company in 1961, Hanging Rock, Ohio. Donald transferred to the Midland, Michigan plant in 1976.
After retiring from Dow in 1991, Don opened Don’s Shooters Supply, in a building at his residence on Knox Road in Beaverton.
It remained opened for approximately 15 years. Don loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was also an avid bowler and participated in numerous leagues over the years with family and friends in Beaverton and Sanford.
Don and his wife Emily also enjoyed motorcycle riding.
They went on several cross country motorcycle trips together with friends.
Donald Craycraft was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Nora Craycraft. He was also proceeded in death by his granddaughter, Ava Craycraft and brother-inlaw, Clay Moore of Grayson, Kentucky. Donald is survived by his wife, Emily Craycraft; sister, Betty Moore of Grayson, Kentucky; sister, Norita Craycraft of Washington Court House, Ohio; daughter, and Maryanne (Bill) Butcher of Midlothian, Texas; Bryan (Amy) Craycraft of Rogers, Arkansas; Michael (Tamarra) Craycraft of Gladwin, Michigan; and Joe (Becky) Myers of Gladwin, Michigan. Donald was also survived by 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Per his wishes, Donald will be cremated. No additional services are planned at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hall-kokotovichfuneralhome. com.