Claudie Eugene Craft also known as Skip and/or Gene to his family and friends passed away at the age of 77. The good Lord took him to his heavenly home on March 14, 2021 to be with his previously deceased mother and father, sister, Dorothy Jean Craft, and son, Jeffrey Eugene Craft. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Kathie Craft; cousins, Joe Don Parker, Jettie Michael Craft, Michael Woodrow Redden, and Dickey Starnes; and numerous other relatives, cousins, and friends.
Gene was born February 3, 1944 to Claudie Ernest and Marie Louise (Redden) Craft in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School and attended Henderson County Junior College. Before attending East Texas State University, Gene was a Dis Jockey in South Texas known as “Skipper K”. He graduated from East Texas State University December 17, 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree and became a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. After graduation, Gene began working for Ennis Business Forms and obtained his private pilot’s license January 14, 1976. After working for Ennis Business Forms for several years, he started and owned his own Companies, Dealer Printing Company, along with Craft Resources Company and USA Quarter Phone Company, being successful in all endeavors.
He was a loving son, father, and husband and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. If you would ask Gene where he’d like to be, he’d say Zihuatanejo, Mexico drinking a beer and laying on the beach.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2021 at Melissa Cemetery, Hwy 75 N; exit 46 Melissa Rd E, Melissa, Texas. All are invited to attend the Graveside Service, maintaining social distancing
A “come and go” visitation will be held on Thursday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.