William M. "Bill" Craft

Mr. William M. "Bill" Craft, age 85 of Jonesboro, died at 3:05 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014 in Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born June 24, 1928 in America, Illinois, the son of Joseph Guy and Veva Walker Craft. Bill is survived by one son, James (Mary Jane) Craft of Pinckneyville; three daughters, Jackie (Brian) Pritchett of Goreville, Jean (Jimmy) Pind of Great Bend, KS, Jolene (Jeff) Skambraks of New Melle, MO; six grandchildren, Joni Pind, Jessica (Lance) Merchant, Corey Craft Pritchett, Jame Craft, Madison Skambraks and Cooper Skambraks; two great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Ralls and Briley Merchant; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bill proudly served his country as Staff Sargent in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, receiving four bronze service medals. He was a member of the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna. Bill worked side by side with his mother running the Craft's Grocery in Jonesboro and operated the Montgomery Catalogue Store in Anna. He managed the Standard Station on the Jonesboro Square for many years. Before retiring he co-owned and operated the Jim and Bill on the Hill Liquor Store in Jonesboro. Bill would pass out Hostess cakes to his customers on his birthday, saying, "happy birthday to me". Bill was a loving father and dearly adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent many hours volunteering his time at the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna. He will be remembered for his kind and caring nature, when Bill met a friend, they became friends for life. During high school, Bill was a proud athlete, excelling in basketball and football, holding an individual state record in football. Bill was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Green Bay Packer Fan. Funeral services for Mr. William M. "Bill" Craft will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Pastor Ed Hoke officiating. Interment will be in the Anna City Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion. Friends may call from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2014 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 V.F.W. in Anna. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Visitation Service Friday, March 7, 2014,5:00PM-8:00PM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Homes 800 Public Square Jonesboro, IL 62952 Memorial/Funeral Service Saturday, March 8, 2014,11:00AM Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Homes 800 Public Square Jonesboro, IL 62952 Cemetery Service Saturday, March 8, 2014,11:45AM Anna City Cemetery Davie Street Anna, Illinois 62906