Roll Call Tribute

Clyde O'Brien Craft 

November 16, 1936 - March 1, 2025 

Dr. Clyde O’Brien Craft, 88, the husband of Martha McLocklin Craft, passed away Saturday morning, March 1, 2025.

Clyde was born in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, on November 16, 1936, the son of the late Clyde Thomas and Dorothy Craft. His family moved to Richmond when he was one, and he has lived almost his entire life in Richmond. Clyde attended Model and Eastern Kentucky University, where he completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. He received his Doctorate from Texas A&M University. Upon graduating from Texas A&M, he returned to Richmond, to work at EKU as a professor and administrator.

Clyde, also known by friends as “Butch”, loved being near or on the water. He enjoyed fishing, sailing his sailboat and relaxing on the beach. He also liked going to Keeneland, and spending time with coworkers. He was a Colonel Club member and enjoyed EKU sports, he was also a member of the Richmond Lion’s club. He was a long-standing member of The First Christian Church.

Clyde also served 10 years in the Kentucky National Guard where he earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Above all else, he enjoyed being with his family, he loved being with his grandchildren and they loved being with him.

Survivors include his wife Martha, his children: Son: Thomas O’Brien Craft and wife Kelly, Daughter: Teresa Craft Foster; four grandchildren: Robert Foster and wife Tina, Bradley Foster, Ryan Craft and wife Asone and Nicholas Craft; four great-grandchildren: Archer and Henry Craft and Hadley and Steven Foster; one brother: John Craft and wife Sharon and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Clyde was preceded in death by his son-in-law: Steven Robert Foster.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home West Main Street, with Rev. Patrick Messer officiating.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Robert Foster, Bradley Foster, Ryan Craft, Nicholas Craft, Adam Craft, Ron Wooton, James Masterson, Curtis Davis, Bob Lilly and Ken Nelson.

The family would like to thank and express their sincere appreciation to Clyde’s caregiver, Valerie McNamara.