January 27, 1937 – September 27, 2025
Willard Cracraft, 88, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Born January 27, 1937, in Lawrence County, he was the son of Herman and Evelyn (Ritter) Cracraft. He graduated from Oolitic High School in 1955 and married Ruby Sharr on February 14, 1960.
Willie retired from Coca-Cola after 40 years of service and was a member of the Judah Church of Christ. He loved watching sports, especially Indiana University, the Pacers, and NASCAR. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events throughout the years. He coached girls’ and women’s softball from 1975 to the mid-1980s. He was a member of the Indiana Army National Guard from 1960 to 1963.
Surviving Willie are two daughters, Connie Koch and husband, Eric, of Bedford, and Julie Ellison of Indianapolis; one sister, Brenda (Skip) Mathews of Mitchell; five grandchildren, Jordan Koch (Jessie), Spencer Koch, Hunter Koch (Hannah), Cameron Ellison, and Meredith Ellison; and two great-grandchildren, Connor James Koch and Nathan Alexander Koch.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruby (Sharr) Cracraft; and a son-in-law, James Ellison.
Funeral services for Willie will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th Street, Bedford, Indiana, with Pastor Skip Mathews officiating. Burial will follow at Judah Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the American Legion Gillen Post #33. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ferguson-Lee Chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made in Willard’s memory to Judah Cemetery and Judah Heritage Park.
Memories may be shared, condolences sent, and flowers ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.
The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements for Willard Cracraft.
