Charles Eugene Craft, 93

Charles Eugene Craft, 93

Charles Eugene Craft, 93, of Post Falls, passed away Monday, March 2, 2020, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. Charles was born on June 5, 1926, in Kansas City, Mo., to Holt and Fanny (Matley) Craft. Charles is a descendant of Edith Ellis Matley, who was the first white girl born in the Northwest Territory before 1890, which entitled him to an Idaho Pioneers Certificate.

Charles’ family moved to Baker, Idaho, at the age of 6 months. He graduated high school in 1944 in Salmon, Idaho, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December of that year. He was honorably discharged on June 3, 1946. Charles attended Idaho State University in Pocatello from 1946 to 1948 and graduated from Oregon State College in 1952, with a degree in agriculture engineering. Charles married the love of his life, Julia Genevieve Mann, on June 3, 1950.

Charles started work with E.I. DuPont — Explosive Division, in Delaware in 1950, and continued until retirement 37 years later. He worked mostly underground in mining operations, tunnels and construction jobs.

Charles was active in the Elks and Welcomers and the Community United Methodist Church. He worked on the Methodist Church when it was built. Charles loved to travel, talk, fish and hunt.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Julia Craft; his sons Fred (Arlene) Craft and Jim (Rose) Craft; his daughters, Connie (Charlie, deceased) Cox, Nancy (Matt Ruedy) Craft; grandchildren, Shirley (Ted) Henderson and Cathy (Scott) Reichart, and great-grandchildren Ian and Jason Reichart.

A “Remembrance” for Charlie will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, at Garden Plaza of Post Falls, 545 N. Garden Plaza Court, Post Falls, ID 83854, with a reception following. An urn burial will be held at the Salmon Cemetery in Salmon, Idaho, at a later date.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Charlie’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.