Charles C. "Pete" Craft's Obituary
Charles C. “Pete” Craft Sr. passed away on January 28, 2026. Born in June of 1929 to James Harry and Charlotte Cummings Craft he was a lifelong Memphian. Pete began his career in the hardwood lumber industry and later retired from the Illinois Central Railroad in1994 as a stationary engineer.
Throughout the years, Pete was a member of numerous organizations including the Memphis Fire Prevention Association, The Lumberman’s Club, Normal Lodge F&AM and served as a board member of the Illinois Central Employees Credit Union.
For many years he was an avid runner, participating in many 10K races and Marathons, winning his age group of most. His most memorable was completing the Boston Marathon in 1976.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles and sudoku.
In 1949 he married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Rowzee. Together they had four children, Charles Craft Jr. (Cindy), Marilyn Bailey, Rebecca Feaster (deceased), Paul Craft (Cindy), son- in-law Tom Feaster, nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on March 21, 2026, at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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