Gary Edward Craddock, 84, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, April 9, 2018, at his home. He was in the presence of his beloved wife, Gertrude Löw Craddock, of 62 years.
Gary was born July 5,1933, to Lucretia Craddock, and spent his childhood in Weir, Kansas, and attended Weir School. He spent many summer days roaming the streets of the “Big City of Weir” and often told stories of his childhood adventures. He cited stumbling upon local “stills,” being chased by friendly bootleggers and following around former indentured servants, which is where he developed his love for cooking. He was very much a part of the livelihood of Weir City during the great coal mining immigration and, even as a child, Gary was soft-spoken, with a kind, caring soul, known and loved by many.
Having a strong sense of service to our country, Gary joined the US Army in 1950, at the age of 17. While stationed in Germany, he quickly learned the native language and met his soon-to-be German bride, Gertrude Löw. He and Gertrude married in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, July 4, 1955. Gary and Gertrude remained in Germany until 1960 until Gary received orders stateside with their young children. Gary rapidly moved through the ranks as an enlisted member and soon became a Chief Warrant Officer, serving one tour during the Korean Conflict, and two tours during the Vietnam War; he was part of both the 1st Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions. Highly decorated, CW3 Gary Craddock was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and six Good Conduct Medals.
After the war, Gary trained as a chef at Cornell University and, subsequently, managed many of the stateside Army Officer’s Clubs. He hand-carved ice sculptures and created the finest meals for visiting dignitaries at Camp David, to include Mamie Eisenhower. Gary retired from the US Army while stationed at Fort Ritchie, Maryland, in 1974, after 23 years of faithful service. He moved his family back to his hometown of Weir, Kansas, and began working with several companies, to include: Ace Electric and Ozark Salad Company; Gary was also a trained prison guard in his 60s, while working at the Kansas State Penitentiary. Gary enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting (in his younger years), traveling and visiting with friends.
Gary was an active member of the American Legion for many years and was the volunteer “cook” at the local pancake feeds. He remained a tried and true Army Combat Veteran and proudly displayed his Korean Conflict and Vietnam War contributions. In 2011, Gary made peace with his past and while he was distant and detached for many years, he recovered later in life, developing strong bonds within his family, often sharing the experiences he encountered in wartime. Please remember Gary when you visit your favorite fishing hole, drive down a bumpy dirt road (where his dog, Scotty demanded he drive) and eat at any BBQ restaurant (knowing his was always better). “An der Frucht erkennt man den Baum.”
He is survived by his wife Gertrude Löw Craddock, beloved daughters Mary Craddock Luebke (Dennis) and Melissa Craddock McDonough (Kevin). A surviving brother, Robert (Bob) Keith (Renae) and sister, Jean Ann Keith Trisler (Bob). He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren: Dustee Craddock Harrison (Scott), Janna Craddock Baker (Darrell), Brandon Craddock (Megan); Brandee Craddock Dunham (Josh); Tiffany Hanoch (Branden), Emily Pline, and Joseph Pline; Garek Stanley (Brittany) and many adored great-grandchildren. a former son-in-law, Randy Stanley.
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Lucretia Craddock Keith, aunt, Mary Elizabeth Keith Miller (Kenneth), his aunt and uncle Mary and Thomas Mallams who raised him and his beloved twin sons, Robert (Bob) Craddock (Rachell) and Thomas (Tom) Craddock (Brenda) and
Private graveside services with full military honors for CW3 (Ret), US Army, Gary Craddock will be held at Fort Scott National Cemetery for immediate family. The family will host a “Celebration of Life” reception for friends and family, Saturday, April 21st, 2018, at the Weir Civic Center from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
The family would like to thank the Veterans Benefits Administration and Veterans Health Administration for their roles in making our husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather whole again. We would also like to thank his Primary Care Provider, Dr. Bill Sullivan, General Surgeon, Dr. Takaaki Kido, and, Urologist, Dr. Elias Tawil, for taking such great care of Gary during periods of minor health struggles over the years.
Sympathy cards/expressions may be mailed to:
Mrs. Gertrude Craddock
P.O. Box 123
508 West Oak St.
Weir, KS 66781
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