Johnny Craft Jr.

Celebrating the Life of God’s Good Steward 

Johnny Craft, Jr.

On December 7, 1944, Johnny Craft, Jr. was born to Margaret Louise (Fonville) Johnson and Johnny Craft in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Johnny spent his early childhood in both North Carolina and Alabama before moving to Lima, Ohio. He showcased his athletic ability in both football and track and field while attending Perry Local Schools and Lima City Schools. 

After graduating from Lima Senior High School in 1964, Johnny enlisted in the United States Air Force and was Honorably Discharged in July 1970. Following his military service, he completed coursework at the Cleveland Institute of Electronics and Northwestern Business College, now known as the University of Northwestern Ohio. He was employed by Standard Oil, Servomation, and Hefner Dairy, and retired from Nickles Bakery.

Johnny committed and dedicated his life to the LORD Jesus Christ early on, and served Him with gladness in all aspects of his life. As a faithful and good steward, he was an active disciple of the Word of God who maintained a strong, intimate relationship with his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. In addition to his daily Bible Study, prayer, and quiet time; Johnny was known to help others in need, believing he was “entertaining angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). 

Johnny lived his life with unshakeable faith and a great sense of humor. Johnny was an avid music lover and had an extensive collection of 60’s Motown, 70’s Disco, and 80’s R&B records, 8-tracks, cassettes, and CDs. He was also a fan of the TV series Star Trek, 24, AirWolf, and MacGuyver. He loved spending time with his grandchildren; especially playing outside in the backyard, blowing bubbles, flying kites, playing basketball and football, or enjoying the parks and reservoirs in the City of Lima. His greatest joy was meeting the love of his life, Sylvia Annette (Mattress) in 1972, and marrying her in holy matrimony on April 5, 1974. As a devoted husband, he could always be found not too far from Sylvia, even up to his final day on this Earth. 

Johnny officially reported for duty to the service of the LORD on Saturday, October 28, 2023.  He has joined his parents, Margaret Louise (Fonville) Johnson and Johnny Craft, and step-father, Eddie Johnson, who preceded him. Johnny Craft Jr. is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sylvia; his son, Shawn (Becky); his six daughters: Shonda (Chad Cheney); Sheila  (Jeffrey L. Morgan, Sr.); Tonya (Anthony Perry); Shelby (Carl Eickemeyer); Andrea, and Kaellen; and, twelve grandchildren: Alexis Craft-Cheney, Natalie Craft-Cheney, Lee Joseph Craft Morgan, Anthony Perry II, Olivia Perry, Jonathan Perry, Jaelyne Craft-Eickemeyer, Hayden Craft-Eickemeyer, Dylan Craft-Eickemeyer, Gabrielle Craft-Davis, and Clara and Gage Whalen.

Although his earthly assignment has come to an end, his family rests assured that he is in his new home where he will spend eternity with his Heavenly Father. Johnny Craft Jr. will be remembered as a husband, a father, a soldier, and a good steward of God who always kept a smile on his face. “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation (Psalm 91:14-16, KJV).” 

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home. Homegoing Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following the service with Military Honors by the US Air Force Honor Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders. 

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the Craft Family, visit the Hanneman-Siferd Funeral Home website, https://www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com/ In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pray for their comfort in their time of bereavement and consider donating to Disabled American Veterans. Please also consider accepting Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior, and serving Him with gladness as Johnny Craft, Jr. did during his life. May the LORD bless you and keep you! 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnny Craft Jr., please visit our floral store.