Robert Lee Craft, 85, of Van Wert, died at 8:39 a.m. Nov. 14, 2006, shortly after arrival at Van Wert County Hospital.

He was born Nov. 25, 1923, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Lee E. and Viola Hurley Craft. On Aug. 25, 1946, he married Dorothy Dee DeWitt, who survives.

Also surviving are six sons, Robert Jr. (Diana), Cheyenne, Wyo., Barry (Nancy), Greensboro, N.C., John, Marysville, Roger (Lisa), Covington, David (Katie), Loveland, and Brian (Leslie), Bowling Green; two daughters, Bonnie (Stephen) Kretz, Perrysburg, and JeanneAnn (Douglas) Bollenbacher, Celina; two brothers, Clifford (Claire), Ashland, Ore., and Franklin (Berniece), Gering, Neb.; two sisters, Irene Handlin, San Francisco, Calif., and Clarice Broyles, Sacramento, Calif.; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Deceased is a sister, Pauline Marking.

He was a school administrator in several districts in Wyoming, Oak Harbor Schools, and Parkway Local Schools from 1969-1974 and the Allen County Schools' curriculum coordinator from 1974-1988. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II in the 99th Division, 395 Infantry Regiment, including the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

He earned a bachelor's degree at Nebraska State Teachers College, Chadron, Neb., and a master's degree at the University of Wyoming. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Rifle Association, Retired Teachers Association and American Association of School Administrators.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial is in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S.D.

There are no calling hours.

Arrangements are by Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert.