Rupert Martin 'Buzz' Crafton

Mr. Rupert Martin "Buzz" Crafton died Thursday, April 10, 2014, at the Baptist Hospital in Memphis.

He was born Jan. 1, 1934, to the late Rupert and Elizabeth Martin Crafton in Blytheville and resided here most of his life.

Mr. Crafton attended Blytheville Public schools and graduated from Columbia Military Academy, and the University of Arkansas in 1956. While at the University, he was a Razorback cheerleader and a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity where he made many lifelong friends.

Following military service, Mr. Crafton returned to Blytheville to work with his parents at the Rupert Crafton Commission Company, an agricultural supply company that he still managed until March of this year when he sold the business to Jimmy Sanders, Inc.

Mr. Crafton married Barbara Dale Dunlap Nov. 28, 1959, and together they raised their two daughters, Dabney Waters (and Steve), of Nashville, Tenn., and Dale Crafton of Memphis.

Caroline Waters and Ridge and Clayton Roberts are his much loved grandchildren.

Also surviving him are his sisters, Sue Hines (and G.A. Jr.) of Conway, and Pam (and Koehler) Blankenship of Blytheville, and his brother-in-law, Ron Dunlap of Hot Springs, and Michael White of Manila, who worked with Mr. Crafton for 25 years and was a valued friend, not only to him but to his family as well.

Over the years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing at the Blytheville Hunting Club at Mellwood, Ark., where his father and uncles were original members. Watching the "ponies run" at Oaklawn in Hot Springs was another favorite pastime where the Craftons enjoyed a home on Lake Hamilton.

Mr. Crafton was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church where he had served on the Vestry.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church with Father Scott Trotter officiating. Visitation will be fromo 1-2:30 Saturday at the church. Carney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfunerahome.com