Elwood Crafton

Elwood Crafton, 85, of Jonesboro died June 22, 2014 at his residence. He was born in Egypt and lived most of his life in Craighead County. He was a well known coach in Northeast Arkansas. Elwood graduated from Arkansas State University with a B.S.E. in Physical Education and M.S.E. in Education Administration. He earned a Masters degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Gertie Crafton and his sister Neda Munn

Elwood was appointed by Governor Pryor to a four year term on the Arkansas State Board for Social Work Licensing. Governor Clinton re-appointed him to another four year term. He served as Chairman of that board for five years. Since Arkansas was among the first states to license social works, he was invited to speak to Social Work Boards in Seattle, WA., Denver, CO., Topeka, KS., Louisville, KY., and Princeton, N.J.

Elwood was a world traveler, having visited six of the seven continents and fifty-four countries. He had the opportunity to study Welfare Systems in several European countries. He served on the Problem Pregnancy Board, was a Mason and a member of Central Baptist Church. He is retired from the State Department of Human Services.

He is survived by his wife: Connie Crafton of the home and one niece.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 25,2014at 10:00 a.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jerry Clements and Bro. Mike Martin officiating with Emerson Funeral Home in Charge. Burial will be private at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers will include Bob Arnold, Eddie Burns, Bruce Arnold, Terry Qualls, Grover Cooper, Al Presley, Jerome Boyd, Benny Campbell, Carl Baxter, Paul Boyd, and the Agape Sunday School Class at Central Baptist Church.

Visitation will be in Emerson Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Central Baptist Church or The Salvation Army.

Online guestbook: www.emersonfuneralhome.com