Charles R. Crafton Obituary (1934 - 2010)

Mr. Charles R. Crafton, 75, of Madisonville, KY passed away at 8:20 P.M., Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at his residence. \ He was born November 2, 1934 in Hopkins County, KY to the late Richard D. and Ruby Price Crafton. \ He worked at West Kentucky Coal Company from 1953-1957. He served six years in the U.S. Army from 1957-1962. He was a Deputy and Sheriff in the Hopkins County Sheriffs Department from 1962-1974; he retired from Andalex Resources with 26 years in the coal mines. \ Charles was very active in the Kentucky State Sheriffs Association, having served as 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President and Public Relations Director. He was instrumental in the Sheriffs Succession Bill being passed and also in establishing the law enforcement training school held at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY. He was a Past President of the Madisonville Lions Club, a master mason at Madisonville Lodge #143 and a 32nd degree mason and member of the Scottish Rites, Western Kentucky Consistory. He was a member of the Madisonville First Christian Church. \ Charles loved hunting, golfing and playing cards with his friends. \ He is survived by his wife, of 54 years, Sharon Prow Crafton of Madisonville; two daughters, Laura Kay Crafton of Madisonville and Barbara Crafton (Jay) Bush of Auburn, KY; one sister, Ilene Crafton Angel of Madisonville; eight grandchildren, Judson Jones, Isaac Jones, Crafton Jones, Emma Jones, Charles Chuck Jones, Layton Bush, Mallory Bush and Campbell Bush; two great grandchildren, Betsy Jones and Kyle Jones. \ Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 19, 2010 at First Christian Church in Madisonville with Pastor Don McLaughlin officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville. \ Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the service time at the church. \ Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jay Bush, Mark Sisk and Jason McCarty. Honorary Pallbearers will be Russell Prow, Kenneth Sisk, John McClearn, Pee Wee Purdy, Bob A. Moore, Al Spenard, Mickey DeMoss, Bill Cardwell, Richard Frymire, Dr. William Klompus, Dr. Joe Jones, Bill Metcalfe, Bob DePietro, Chris Rickard and Dale Hawkins. \ Memorial contributions may take the form of donation to the Green River Hospice or the First Christian Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church. \