2009-10-15

Lola Faye Craddock

1920-2009

Billy Dunn Craddock, 88, passed away Sunday, Sept. 27, and his wife, Lola Faye Good Craddock, 89, passed away on Monday, Sept. 28. Both resided at Edgewater Care Center in Kerrville.

Bill and Lola met at a Bob Wills’ dance in Midland. They were married on March 22, 1947, and became inseparable for the next 62 years. They believed in their marriage vows and true to “till death do us part,” Bill and Lola died just one day apart.

Bill was born April 3, 1921, under a wagon in Midland. His parents were Will Craddock and Daisy Perry Craddock of Andrews. His siblings, who preceded him in death, were Jackie Craddock Merrill, Annie Lou Craddock Long, Perry Roach Craddock and Harvey Lee Craddock.

During World War II, Bill received two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star. A lifelong rancher, he served with the Independent Cattleman’s Association and the Bandera County Soil & Water District.

Lola was born Jan. 9, 1920, in Amarillo to Cheston Harry Good and Winnie Mae Turner Good. Siblings, who preceded her in death, were Thelma Ruby Good Flanary, Clarence Henry Good and Margaret Mae Good Cottrell.

Lola’s first husband, William Love Clifton, was killed in WWII. The couple had a son, Perry Roach Clifton.

An excellent homemaker, Lola was a good cook known for her pies and desserts. She shared this special talent in the kitchen not only with her family, but also with friends and neighbors. Her other “labor of love” was keeping Bill and the couple’s six boys in clean starched shirts and jeans. Lola also enjoyed ranching with her husband.

A music lover, she was especially fond of old gospel hymns. However, Lola’s greatest joy was accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior when she was baptized at the age of 88 on July 16, 2008.

Bill and Lola are survived by their sons, Perry Clifton and his wife, Cathy, of Pipe Creek; Tom Craddock and his wife, Karen, of Nantucket, Massachusetts; Bob Craddock and his wife, Sue Ann, of Manchaca; Ike Craddock and his wife, Amy, of Medina; Mike Craddock and his wife, Nancy, also of Medina; and Hoby Craddock and his wife, Sandy, of Bandera.

The couple was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, Tom, Michael, Courtney and Richard Craddock of Nantucket; Christine Craddock of Austin; Jana Evans of Medina; Cody Craddock of San Angelo; TJ Craddock of Camp Verde; Ricki Gard of Kingsville; and Tim Gard of Bandera.

Bill and Lola’s great-grandchildren include Samantha, Max and Liam Craddock of Nantucket; Kayla Evans of Medina; Catarina Craddock of Camp Verde; Zachary and Julia Gard of Kingsville and Tucker Gard of Bandera.