THOMAS A. KRAFT

Thomas A. Kraft, age 83, of Ottawa, Kan., passed away Saturday, March 22, 2008, at the Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, Kan. Funeral services will be at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2008.

He was born March 17, 1925, in Ottawa, Kan., to Albert J. and Goldie R. (Wedmore) Kraft.

Growing up, he attended the school of Briles, outside of Ottawa, and then later helped his parents work on the family farm. Also, while farming he started to work for Buildex Inc. in May 1951 in Ottawa. He worked in the pit-quarry and ran a bulldozer and later became a maintenance supervisor. He was very passionate and loyal about working at Buildex Inc., where he put in over 43 years of dedicated work before retiring in March 1994.

Thomas enjoyed operating and working on equipment machinery and cranes, driving and working on his tractors, going to antique tractor shows and spending time with his family.

On Jan. 7, 1949, he was united in marriage to Wanda L. Odor in Ottawa, Kan. They celebrated their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary in January 1999 and were privileged to share 59 years of marriage. She survives of the home.

He is also survived by his five children and their spouses, Mike Kraft, Ottawa; Janice McAninch, and her husband, Ron, of Goddard, Kan.; Delores Pitts, and her husband, Craig, of Edmond, Okla.; Tom Kraft Jr., and his wife, Donna, of Drexel, Mo.; and Clayton Kraft and his wife, Loriee, of Ottawa. Seven grandchildren, Angela Jones and her husband, Derek; Sarah Schmalzried and her husband, Greg; Doug Kraft and his wife, Hanna; Justin Kraft; Curtis Kraft and his wife, Kim; Kyle Kraft and Logan Kraft. Two step-grandchildren, Ryan McAninch and Scott McAninch and his wife, Misty. Five great-grandchildren, Amanda Schmalzried, Cody Schmalzried, Jacob Kraft, Andrew Kraft and Lauren Kraft. Two step great-grandchildren, Emma and Ava McAninch.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Kraft at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1 p.m. Tuesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice Care of Kansas or Parkinson’s Foundation, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa KS 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.