Millard R Crafts, age 85, passed away on March 12, 2023 in Delta, Utah. He was born on August 12, 1937 in Panquitch, Utah, the sixth of the nine children born to Charles Edward and Ruevo Heywood Crafts. Millard grew up helping out on the family farm in Hinckley, Utah. He graduated from Hinckley High School, excelling on the Hinckley Mustangs Basketball Team.
After graduating, Millard enlisted in the US Air Force and spending much of his service in Japan. After serving honorably, he returned to live in Salt Lake City, working as a Truck Driver. He work over 40 years as a trucker with the Teamsters Union. Along the way, he also married Betty Lou Daily. They spent many wonderful years together and he was ‘Dad’ to seven kids. He moved the family to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984. He longed to move back to his childhood home, and after he retired in the early 2000s, he built a new home for himself and Betty in Hinckley.
Millard loved to tinker with all sorts of projects in his house and in the yard. He enjoyed collecting many useful things, cheering for the Denver Broncos, and watching his favorite TV show, “Gunsmoke”. Millard liked everyone, and enjoyed chatting with his neighbors and friends. He was a kind and dedicated father. He supported his children in their many activities and sports, and taught them many important life lessons. He will be deeply missed.
Millard is survived by his children: Rand, Kenny, Kim, Dena, Billie and Todd; siblings: Carol, Ed and Mark; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife: Betty; daughter: Melba; siblings: Charles, Edsel, John, Zane and Martha.
Millard will be honored with Military Rites at a Burial Service on Saturday, March 18, at 11:00 am, at the Hinckley Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com