Joseph Eliot Craft, 85, of Ward, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 11, 2021, after a twelve year battle with cancer.  He was born June 24, 1936 in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  Joe was adopted eighteen months later by his grandparents, the late George and Jenny Craft.  He proudly served his country for twelve years; two years in the National Guard and ten years in the United States Air Force.  Joe owned his own business, "Joe's TV" for nineteen years.  He drove a school bus for Cabot Public Schools for twelve years.  Joe served as pastor at Crosby Baptist Church, Weiner First Baptist, Beck Spur in Forrest City, Gould First Baptist, Clarksville Second Baptist and Steele Bridge Baptist in Lonoke for a total of forty-five years.

Joe held a Doctor of Electronics degree from the University of Illinois and a Doctor of Divinity degree from Bethany Divinity College and Seminary in Dothan, Alabama. He enjoyed antique cars and antique engines.  He had the privilege of being the pastor to officiate at all of his children's weddings, as well as five of his grandchildren's weddings.  Joe was also the pastor who baptized all of his grandchildren and five of his great-grandchildren.  His sense of humor, sarcasm and giving straight answers to life's questions will be missed by all.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty-six years, Lillie Mae Craft; four children, Joe (Pam) Craft, Jr., Julia Gilmore, Justin (Virginia) Craft and Janet (Greg) Rettig, all of Ward; seven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

There will be no services at this time.  Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service, 501-941-7888.