Nathaniel Silas Cracraft, Jr., 79 of Independence, MO passed away Sunday, November 21, 2010. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. Burial with full military honors will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday in Rosehill Cemetery in Lamoni, IA. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday evening at the chapel. Nathaniel was born on September 8, 1931 in El Reno, OK the second child of Nathaniel and Ruby Felicia (Blatt) Cracraft. He spent most of his youthful years growing up in Lamoni, IA where he graduated from Lamoni High School in 1949. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force. In 1952 he was united in marriage to Stana Irene O'Dougherty of Bedford, IA and lived in Des Moines for several years before relocating to Independence, MO. He was employed at the Independence Regional Health Center for 35 years before he retired as Director of Engineering. He was a member of the National Refrigeration Engineers Society, American Society of Hospital Engineers, Missouri Society of Hospital Engineers, National Fire Protection Association, NRA, life member of the DAV, American Veterans, Korean Veterans Association Inc., American Legion and the Lamoni Lions Club. He enjoyed the outdoors by camping, bird feeding, backpacking as well as work in genealogy. He is survived by; 2 sons, David Wayne Cracraft and wife Natalia of Lee's Summit, MO and Gregory Wayne Cracraft and his wife Christina of Independence, MO; a daughter, Teresa Irene Scarborough and husband Mark of Independence, MO; a brother, Raymond Cracraft wife Toni of North Kansas City, MO; an aunt Nola Dawson of Lamoni, IA; 5 granddaughters, 4 step grandchildren, 1 great grandson and 3 step great grandsons. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Stana in 1996, a grandson, Kevin Joseph Otwell and 2 sisters, Mary Alice Blanchard and Joanne Flowers. Donations may be made in his name to the Kidney Foundation or to Crossroads Hospice.


Nathaniel Silas Cracraft, Jr., 79, Independence, Mo., passed away Sunday, November 21, 2010. Services 10 a.m. Wednesday, Speaks Suburban Chapel. Burial with full military honors 2 p.m. Wednesday, Rosehill Cemetery, Lamoni, Iowa. Family visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at the chapel. Speaks Suburban Funeral Home, 18020 E 39th St, Independence, MO 64051, 816-373-3600
Published in Kansas City Star on November 23, 2010