John’s life began on September 28, 1921, in Mayfield, Kansas the son of Norman John and Lazelle (Jacobs) Croft. John graduated from Anthony High School in 1939 and served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII in Company C of the 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion. He was united in marriage to the former Martha Esther Draper on July 29, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas. John graduated from Friends University with a chemistry degree in 1947. Together they came to El Dorado in 1960 from Independence, Kansas living previously in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was a salesman for 34 years with McKesson Drug Company and in retirement worked 25 years at Shady Creek Marina. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and he loved to boat, fish and travel.

His loving family includes his son, Carlton Croft of Golden, Colorado; daughter Carolyn Croft of Bel Aire, Kansas; grandchildren, Adam Croft of Laramie, Wyoming and Olivia Croft of Sundance, Wyoming.

John passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. John is preceded in death by his parents; his spouse, Martha in 2004; brother, Robert Croft and a sister, Irene Purdy.

His family will gather with friends Thursday, March 23, at 10 a.m. Funeral service following at 11 a.m. both at First Presbyterian Church led by Rev. Dr. Robyn S. Abel. John will be laid to rest next to his wife, Martha on Friday, March 24, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Wichita Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or Friends University Chemistry Department in care of the funeral home. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of John at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com.

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