Donald Craycraft

CRAYCRAFT - Donald P. Craycraft, 70, went to be with his Lord on Friday, March 6, 2009 at his home. Don was born in Newberry, MI and lived in many areas of Michigan before his family moved to Holland in 1947. Don is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Rose (Zelly) Burns- Craycraft; son, Kary Craycraft; daughter, Kathy and Kevin Dams; grandson, Brandon Dams, all of Holland; mother, Sylvia Craycraft, Grand Haven; brother, Ken Craycraft and Martha Trott, Fennville; mother-in-law, Elinor Burns-Webber, Holland; brothers and sisters in-law, Rena and Bob Westerhof, Holland, Bob and Bonnie Burns, Houston, TX, Rebecca and David Curtis, East Saugatuck; many aunts, nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his father, Charles Craycraft; father-in-law, Ed Burns; and granddaughter, Tonya Dams. Being a member of Immanuel Baptist Church enabled Don to sit under the teachings of many Bible scholars: Pastor Scott, Pastor Pike, Gene Schelle, Sunday school fellowship with Marv Veldhof, Pastor Bob Terpstra, Jim Winship and Pastor Larry Gavette. Don attended Holland High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army with his friend Jack Nash for 2 years. He then operated heavy road equipment with Carl Goodwin and Sons of Allegan and eventually became a carpenter with Willie Witteveen and Andy Riemersma which culminated in a lifetime friendship and business relationship with Jim Jurries, Jack Bouman, and his secretary, Ellen Slagh with Woodland Group and Don Craycraft, Builder. He purchased V&S Siding and Riemersma Roofing with Jerry Bauwkamp and his recent partnership with Dan Kloosterman formed a special and lasting friendship. His current project was providing Spanish books for libraries being installed through Orphan Helpers throughout Central America in memory of his granddaughter, Tonya. His love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends, created special memories. When his illness no longer allowed him to hunt, he spent exciting moments with Kary by cell phone from a tree stand and spent many hours sharing hunting stories with his grandson, Brandon. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, the Holland Camera Club and enjoyed taking nature photos. Don was an active member of the Holland Home Builders Association and served many years as a district and national director of the National Homebuilders and traveling many trips to the legislature in Washington, DC with John Horsting. As a workaholic, golf was his release that he enjoyed with friends, Rich and Doris Bell, Tom and Betty Billings, Barb and Earl. Outings with Henry Schierbeek and Eikenhouts, Inc. were highlights for him. After the passing of his beloved and talented granddaughter, Tonya, in 2006, Don never recovered from his downward health problems caused by COPD. He became increasingly concerned, but mostly saddened, by the newscasts watched each day, but he confidently believed biblical prophecy was unfolding before his eyes. He looked forward to his heavenly home where peace and healing were waiting for him. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2009 at Immanuel Church, 325 - 104th Avenue in Holland (24th St. and 104th Ave.). Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. and also from 2 to 3 p.m. at Immanuel Church. In lieu of flowers, Don's family is requesting donations to be made to Orphan Helpers Libraries in memory of Don and Tonya Rose. An on-line registry book is available at www.lakeshorememorial.com