John Thomas Craft

John Thomas Craft, 82, peacefully left this world on February 15th, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. He was born to William “Hap” and Vera Craft in Dodge City, KS on August 8th, 1941.

As a lifelong resident of Kinsley, he married his high school sweetheart, Jane Schmitt, on August 11th, 1962. They were blessed with 53 years of a loving marriage which was evident to anyone who knew them.

After graduation John attended FHSU. He started his career with the Kansas Highway department. After a few years he began a 33-year career with Kansas Power and Light, starting as a lineman and working his way up to management. During those years he spent many sleepless nights working to get power back to those affected.

John was an avid outdoorsman. Pheasant season was a highlight for him and his faithful dog Jody. Golf was a passion. Every Wednesday night was men’s league, and he was league Champ more than once! In fact, recently he was so proud he had golfed his age. In his later years his happy place was fishing at area lakes. He would enjoy his catch of walleye, crappie and white bass along with a Crown and 7. In the winter months you could find him tinkering in his wood shop producing many beautiful pieces of oak furniture. John enjoyed traveling with Jane. After her passing he continued his travels with six Daddy/Daughters vacations. We will always treasure the laughs, adventures and conversations we had with him.

John was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic church serving as usher and money counter. He was also a member of the PRIDE committee and the Edwards County Golf Club. He was a supporter of the Kinsley Coyotes, K-State Wildcats and KC Chiefs.

He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife.

Survived by daughters Jana Dietz, Wichita, KS. Jamie Michaels (John), Spring Hill, KS. Judi Haggar (Bill), Wichita, KS.

Six Grandchildren: April Beevers (Alex), Wichita, KS. Taylor Dietz (Alexis) Missoula, MT. Kylie Michaels, Spring Hill, KS. Kendall Michaels, Overland Park, KS. Alec Haggar, Wichita, KS. Laila Haggar, Dallas, TX.

Two Great-grandchildren: Riley Wells and Weston Beevers, Wichita, KS.

Vigil service will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic church, Kinsley at 7:00pm on Friday, February 23rd.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30am Saturday, February 24th with Father Ben Green presiding. Following burial, a luncheon will be provided at St. Nicholas Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations can be made to St. Nicholas Catholic church or Edwards County Golf Course.

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