John Crafton, 55, of Brazil, passed away at 9:49 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006, at Union Hospital, in Terre Haute following a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Clay County, Feb. 9, 1951, to Vern and Dora Hapenny Crafton. John graduated from Brazil High School with the class of 1970 and attended Indiana State University and Ivy Tech College. Following school he served his country in the United States Army. On July 2, 1982, he married Kathy Leloup. John had worked for the Federal Prison in Terre Haute for over 20 years. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, especially for salmon, traveling, and camping. John also enjoyed many bands and dancing at the American Legion with his wife and close friends Ed McCall and Kathy Price (Keep on dancing!). He was a member of the American Legion Post 2 and the Vigo County Conservation Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Dora Crafton.

Survivors include Kathy, his wife; a son John Crafton Jr. of Terre Haute; two daughters, Sandra Clark of Center Point and Jessica Crafton of Brazil; brothers Dale "Butch" Yockey and wife, Madonna, of Brazil, Tom Yockey and wife, Jackie, of Texas, and Jerry "Jake" Crafton and wife, Charlotte, of Brazil; a sister, Avalon Francis Conrad, and husband, John, of Texas; two grandchildren, Kyle and Kaitlyn; and a very large extended family. He is also survived by his White River fishing family; Jim Huffer, Mike Hapenny, Mike Howald, Donny Hamblen, Billy Anthony, Cathy Salerno and the double Ks.

Services for John will be at French Funeral Home, at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, with Pastor Ernie Rush officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home Monday from 4 until time of services. The American Legion Post 2 and VFW Post 1127 will honor him with a walk through prior to the services at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in his memory.