Gerald Ray Craft

Gerald Ray Craft, 64, of North Vernon, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at his home. He was born June 14, 1956 in Whitesburg, Kentucky to the late Ernest Craft and Maude Courtney Craft. Gerald was a proud Army veteran and was a long-time employee of Impact Forge in Columbus, Indiana. His family often spoke about him hitchhiking to California 3 times in 1977. He was an avid CB’er with his handle name being, California Kid. He was a family man that will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2021 with Pastor Jarren Rogers, officiating at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home Military honors will begin at 5:00 p.m. provided by the Bartholomew County Veteran’s Honor Guard, the funeral service will follow. Gerald is survived by his daughter, Tina (Jeff) Louise MacMaster, of California; son, Steve Jessie, of South Carolina; brother, Rollie (Gail) Craft, of Indianapolis; sister, Janet Craft, of Brownstown; sister-in-laws, Mary Craft and Barbara Jessie; a brother-in-law, Arthur Von Poynter; grandchildren, Anthony Horton, Deven MacMaster, Stephanie Babcock, Elizabeth Knox, and James Michael Jessie; 8 great-grandchildren; Nieces and Nephews, Ernest Dean (Barbara) Jr. Craft, Christopher Craft, Mary Jo (Tim) Murphy, Rhonda (Brad) Arnold, and Jessica (Josh Huffman) Craft and 13 great nieces and nephews, and 7 great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his first love, Josephine Craft, his most recent love, Nancy Craft; daughter, Tammy Noblitt; brothers, Floyd Craft, Ernest Dean Craft, and Jimmy Craft; sisters, Nada Craft and Ruby Craft; and Niece, Melissa Scales. You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance and send a message of condolence to the Craft family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com