Wooster – Marvin Jackson Jack Crafton, 81, passed away peacefully at Ohio s Hospice LifeCare on December 5, 2020.
Jack was born on February 5, 1939 to Marvin Jackson Sr. and Ellen Alexander Crafton in Akron, OH. He was a 1957 graduate of Doylestown High School. He married his college Sweetheart Beverly Ann Beaver on June 18, 1961, and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this June. She survives.
He was a member of the Wooster United Methodist Church. They have 2 daughters, Stephanie Ann Klein, of Hilliard, and Bethany Ann Redman, of Dublin. Oh. His wonderful grandchildren who he loved and meant so much to him; Connor & Colby Redman of Lakewood, Morgan & Mike Evans of Columbus, and Jack Klein of Columbus and Allie Klein of the home. His quick wit and fun will always be remembered and missed on all the holidays he spent with his kids .
He received his BS Degree in Education in 1961 at Ashland College while playing on a 4 year baseball scholarship and started his teaching career at Wooster City Schools. He went on to receive his MA in Education in 1966 at Kent State University. He taught 5 years at
Wayne Elementary School in Wooster and became principal in 1965. He retired with 30 years at Wayne Elementary. He went on to become a Principal for 4 years at Southwest School District.
Jack was very active in the community coaching Midget Football League and Hot Stove Baseball teams. He was a member and officer of the Madisonburg Lions Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge, 32 degree Mason and Scottish Rights, Al Koran Shrine Club and Wooster Elks Club.
Summertime became his little playground at Mohican Hills Golf Course. For years he mowed the greens and loved being on the golf course with the deer as well as quietness of the early morning. His love of playing with his golfing buddies at Mohican Hills Golf Course was a pastime not to be missed. The fun and games these boys played are still talked about to this day. Those golfing friends were still close to his heart along with the former staff at Mohican Hills, Jim Markling, Jan, Mary, and Kim.
As an educator in the Wooster City Schools he impacted the lives of many. He loved his students including his many lasting relationships with his faculty at Wayne Elementary. He was awarded the Community Citizen Award in recognition of outstanding service to his community. His dedication and personal involvement were gratefully and sincerely acknowledged by the members of the Union Grange.
Jack was always looking for ways to support the school and community with innovative ideas to make learning a fun experience thus Wayne the Fun School. He also was pleased and surprised by a former teacher who published a book based on the authors experience as a first year teacher under the principal Jack Kraft called Tales Out of the School by Marc Crail.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, is assisting the family.
A Private Family Memorial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the Wayne County Community Foundation, 517 N. Market St. Wooster; Ohio s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster; West View Healthy Living, 1715 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster; or a charity of a donor s choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, please consider the Wayne County Community Foundation, 517 N. Market St. Wooster; Ohio s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster; West View Healthy Living, 1715 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster; or a charity of a donor s choice.
Service
A Private Family Memorial will be held.
Visitation
No Calling Hours.
I am so sorry, Bev, to write this sad letter of condolence. Jack was a favorite of mine, always smiling with a great sense of humor.. Our friendship goes all way back to 1962 when I came to Wooster to teach. Sending comfort and sincere sympathy to you , Beth, Stephanie, and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a nice man. Peace be with you.
Jack was a true inspiration as my 6th grade teacher. A great mentor and educator. Godspeed Jack! Sincere condolences to all of the family.
Mrs. C & Family,
My sincerest condolences to you. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
The Perry’s
So sorry for your loss. Mr.C always had a smile on his face. My prayers are with you Mrs.C and your beautiful family.
So sorry for the loss of a great man.
He always took time for his students!
So sorry for your loss Stephanie. Prayers for you and family
Our deepest sympathies for your family. You have our thoughts and prayers.
The Blough’s
Sincere condolences for your loss! My prayers are with you.
I’m so sorry to see this. Thinking of you, Mrs. C. ❤️
My family has many good memories of Jack when he was principal of Wayne elementary.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I have such fond memories of Mr. Crafton welcoming me into his home many weekends. He was always kind and willing to share stories about education with me. My heart goes out to the entire family and his close friends who are going to miss a wonderful man. May you find comfort in knowing he is now resting in peace. Love to you all, Trish
Bev, we miss seeing you here in Cross Creek and my sincerest sympathy in the loss of Jack. He was a great neighbor and friend. He is at peace now and resting. My prayers are with you, Bobbie
So sorry for your loss Mrs. C and for your loss Steph and Beth. He will be greatly mossed. May God give you peace and understanding during this tough time.
So sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Mother enjoyed working with him at Wayne. Condolences to you and the family.
Bev, I am so very sorry for your loss! Prayers for you and your family at this difficult time.
Jack was an extraordinary man!! We loved spending time with him and had so many laughs and talks. He was an amazing neighbor and friend to us and will be deeply missed.
We think of him often and every time the Christmas lights go on in our neighborhood as he loved to see them
Our heartfelt wishes are with you at this time!!!
I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I have so many fond memories of working with Jack at Wayne Elementary. We were all his “Waynedeers”. My prayers are with you and your family, Bev.
I am so sad to hear of Jack’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Bev:
Please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of Jack. It came as a shock because we remember him as a strong and happy man who always had good things to say when we would meet at the Monday Outings at Clubhouse Village. He is how with his maker and at peace. God Bless Him and You. Stay strong and remember the good days. This can help in your healing.
Best Personal Regards, Jack & Joan Beiter
RIP Jack. One of the good ones! Always had a smile and a little something
to say. Will definitely miss him!
Oh Mrs.C I’m sorry for your loss but what and amazing lifetime of love. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
My sincere condolences to the family.
Jack was truly a fine man and gentlemen. I would always look forward to seeing him as he would take time to talk and show a genuine interest in you. He was in a position to influence a lot of kids and he did it very well. He will be missed.
Bev, we are so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. It is so hard to lose your mate in life, and we both have felt the heartache you and your family are suffering now. It’s not an easy road to navigate, but keep taking one step at a time to heal. Remember all the good times, and eventually you will be able to laugh again as you go down memory lane. Prayers for you and your family. Hugs.
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of our fine neighbor, Jack Crafton. Bev, peace
be with you and yours in this sad time.
So sorry for your loss. Jack was a wonderful light to all of us. His humour and friendship will never be forgotten.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Bev, so sorry to hear about Jack. Know he is at peace and no more suffering
Dear Beverly
Peggy and I wish to express our condolences to you and your family. Jack was a true gentlemen in every sense of the word.
We will miss his smiling face in Club House Village.
Regards Peggy & John
Oh my. I am so sad to hear about Jack. Sending prayers to you Bev and girls plus the grand kids. So sorry for your loss. Dianne Hange
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr Crafton’s passing. He was a special Principal at our elementary. Thank you for your dedication. Prayers to your family
Mrs “C” I’m sorry for the loss of your husband. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Bev , please accept our deepest sympathy. So very saddened for your great loss. Sending many prayers to you & your family.
I was a student at Wayne Elementary in the 1970s. Mr Crafton was a wise, kind, and serious principal. We all had a healthy fear and respect for him. He was wonderful and my childhood and education at Wayne Elementary was awesome. Thanks Mr Crafton. May God bless you and the family you left behind.
Bev – we are very sorry for the loss of Jack. He was the best principal and was loved by so many. Sending prayers to you and your family. Jack will be missed for sure.
What an absolutely wonderful,kind man. His sense of humor put a smile on many faces and added sunshine to cloudy days. He will be missed yet carried in the hearts of many. Jack was a joy to work with and will always be a part of the original Mohican family. Love to all of the family. Jan
Bev, we are so sorry for your loss. Jack was an amazing person that enjoyed life and making others laugh. He will be missed. Keeping you in our thoughts. With love, Elise, Cody, Alice, Reece, and Pierce.
Bev and family – so saddened to hear about Jack’s death. He was an amazing guy who I know willl be deeply missed by all of you! Grace and peace to you in the days ahead.
Bev and family, it was with great sadness that I read this. The community will miss Jack- a great role model and leader. My sincere sympathy to you all.
I always looked forward to playing golf with Jack at Mohican. He had a great sense of humor and exuded class in every way. Our sympathy and prayers to Bev and family.
Dear Bev and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Jack was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son in law and Friend to ALL who’s lives Jack touched. Jack was so kind and very thoughtful. Jack will diffidently be missed by ALL. He will live on in many hearts and minds Jack leaves behind one of the most loving Families in our area. Many Hugs and Blessings to each and everyone of YOU.
Dear Bev, I was saddened by the news of Jack’s death. I remember his solid job as president of our Forest Creek condo association. I hope the sadness of his passing is balanced by the warm memories of your times with him.
So sorry to hear this news. Remember all the good times at “Wayne the fun school”
Thoughts and prayers to Bev and family. I had the privilege to work with and get to know Jack at the end of his educational career when he worked in Southeast Local Schools. He was a caring and very professional administrator. Always welcoming and eager to share a good story! I will always carry fond memories of him! He will be missed!
Bev, I am so sorry for your families lost. Jack will be missed. He was a wonderful man.
RIP Jack, you were a pleasure to know and golf with. God bless your family and play well up stairs
Thinking of you and sending our sympathies to you and your family. So many fond memories. May the memories of you, family and friends bring you comfort.
So sorry for your loss. Jack was a wonderful neighbor, classmate, teammate, and friend.
Beverly & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jack was a special person to so many students and staff over the years. I always enjoyed sharing ideas with him during my tenure at Wooster.
God Bless,
Bill & Sara Sturgeon
Dear Bev,
You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,
Vic and Joyce
Dear Bev, I am so so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. You and your family have my Deepeast Sympathy. May God be with you and bring you His Peace at this very Difficult time. Love, Jan Purdy, SHS Classs of ‘58
Dear Craftons,
It breaks my heart that you must travel this road without the physical comfort from family and friends. (damn pandemic!) Please know that I am giving you each a virtual hug and praying that this time of grief will pass as peacefully as possible. I have so many fond memories of being with you all as well as my kindergarten years at Wayne, the FUN School!!!
Love to you all!!, Carla
Bev Bob and I are so sorry for you loss. Jack was a sweet guy. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you
Bob and Cindy Viera
My heart is with you during such a difficult time, all of you are in my prayers . What a wonderful man that brought such joy to so many ! He will truly be missed ! My sincere condolences.
Dear Bev, I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing, you have my Deepest Sympathy. May God Be With You and Your family and bring you His Peace at this Difficult Time.
Love, Janice Purdy, SHS Class of ‘58
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Crafton’s passing. He helped shape the man I would eventually become more than any other teacher I ever had. The family has my deepest sympathy.
My deepest condolences to the family. I can not think about Wayne Elementary without Mr. Crafton.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was one of the great ones. Always a smile and a word of wisdom, he will be missed by many of this Wayne children
So sorry for your loss Mrs C & your loved ones. May our love & prayers surround you now & in the days ahead as you find peace & healing strength with each new passing day.
We have many fond memories of Mr. Crafton at Wayne Elementary. Even as a kid, I remember that everyone really liked him. I also have fond memories of babysitting Stephanie and Beth. Our family sends you our sincerest condolences.
My condolences to the Crafton family. I was fortunate to work with Mr. Crafton when he was the interim principal at Fredericksburg. He asked me to “fill in” for him when he had hip surgery. He was always looking for ways to support teachers and students.
We are so sorry for your families loss of such a wonderful man. He always had a smile and a friendly greeting, he will be missed at Club House Village. Our thoughts and prays are with you.
Mrs. Crafton & Family,
I was crushed when I heard the news about Mr. Crafton…I have such good memories from Wayne Elementary and from having the privilege of watching Stephanie and Beth when they were little. I remember being in Mr. Crafton’s office being punished for talking to much and in the next sentence being asked to babysit. I so admired him. Your family has always held a special place in my heart! He will be missed by all..what a great man he was!
My thoughts and love are with you at this difficult time.
Fondly, Cindy
Dear Beverly. I’m so sorry that you have lost your dear husband. I know you are heartbroken. May your friends and family surround you with the same care and love you have always given to all you know. with love, Susi.
I am so sorry to here of the passing of Mr. Crafton. He worked with my Dad many years ago. He was a very kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers for the family. Jack was a joy to be around and will definitely be missed. Prayers of comfort and peace for all.
Dear Bev:
I was sorry to learn from my daily scouting of the Daily Record on line, that your Jack has moved on. My best wishes to you and your family in this time of loss. The event has stirred up some delightful and ancient memories of our times as classmates. I wish you all the best. Gordon Zook, Harrisonburg VA
My deepest condolences to all of the family. I know that this father, grandfather, and husband was so loved and is so missed. Keeping you in my prayers.
Dearest Bev,
So sorry for your loss!!! I miss you and am only just a phone call away !
Charlene
My family is blessed to count ourselves among those who experienced Jack’s wonderful influence as the principal of Wayne Elementary. Bev, your loss is also ours, as well as so many others’ touched by Jack. I hope you take comfort in that.
Stephanie, You are so special to us and send our love and sympathy to you and family.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and family
Laura and Joe Catalano
Sincere condolences to Bev and family. Our friendship goes back to college days at Ashland. Jack was an outstanding educator and humanitarian! May you be sustained by our God and memories of happy times spent with Jack.
—Donna Ambrose