Edward M. “Ed” Craft
Edward M. “Ed” Craft, age 74, of Shelby, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, following a five-year courageous battle with cancer. He lived a humble and quiet life and he was genuine in every way.
Ed was born on November 29, 1950 in St. Marys, Ohio to Frank and Leola Craft. Moving to Shelby as a teenager, Ed graduated from Shelby High School in 1969. Ed’s life was one of devotion to his family, faith, and community. In 1968, Ed met the love of his life, Regina (Detillion) Craft, at Arlin Football Field. Their first date on a hayride marked the beginning of a lifelong love story that would span more than five decades. On February 28, 1970, Ed and Regina were married, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Ed took great pride in his career. He retired from General Motors in 2008 after 28 years of service as a First-Class Stationary Steam Engineer. He was also deeply involved in his community. A faithful Catholic and member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Ed proudly served as Grand Knight at the Shelby Knights of Columbus Council #1968. Ed’s legacy is one of love, faith, family, and hard work. His best days included riding his Harley Davidson, farming, hunting, and boating. His family, friends, and all who knew him will remember him for his unwavering commitment to those he loved, and for his generosity of spirit, and good jokes.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ed’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of his wife: Regina; children: Teresa (John) Ensman, Sharon Gunder, Edward (Shawna) Craft II, and Ryan (Roselyn) Craft. Ed was a proud grandfather to seven wonderful grandchildren: Joshua (Jasmine) Ensman, Derek (Becky) Ensman, Rachel Ensman, Andrew (Alexandra) Craft, Samantha (Christian) Ballengee, Jacob Craft, and Damien Craft. He also had the joy of five great-grandchildren: Oliver & Jack Ballengee, Alaina & Ellie Ensman, & Asher Craft. His sister, Juanita DiGiorgi, also survives, along with other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his brother & sister-in-law: William and Joyce Craft; his great-granddaughter: Ruby Ballengee; and nephew: Scot Detillion.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all who helped Ed and their family throughout the past five years including doctors, nurses, and the staff at The Willows at Willard.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church.
Condolences may be made on Ed’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Ed’s tribute video click here: Ed’s tribute video.
My deepest condolences.
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Prayers for your family.
I always loved seeing and talking with Uncle Ed at all our family gatherings. I would always greet him with hello, how are you and as he would always say, he was “finer than frog hair.” That always made me smile. I sure will miss him. ❤️
My prayers and thoughts are with you Regina and family, I’ll try and come to the calling hours, having lots of problems with my legs and back! If you need to talk give me a call 419-544-3944! Love you
Ed worked where I was employed and.shop at sporting store i work at
He was always happy and friendly .
He was a good man.will miss him.
Condolences to the family.your in my prayers
Regina, I am so sorry for your loss and I can only imagine what your going through. You are in our prayers! Love you, Uncle Mike and Aunt Jane
Regina and family — It is with a heavy heart that we send our love and condolences. He was our jokester when he was not feeling up to par, but the happy memories will continue on as well as being missed by many — God Bless
So sorry Regina. Condolences to you and your family. Hugs and prayers
Regina and family you have my deepest sympathy!
We were neighbors for many years and was always great
To talk about family when we would see each other.
So sorry Regina and family for the loss of your Dear Ed. Prayers for peace and comfort. Hold onto all those precious memories. Hugs❤️
Dear Regina, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sorry to read about Ed! Mike and him will keep an eye on Baermar Drive! Sad for you, hang in there!
Sorry to read about Ed. Such a friendly fellow. Mike and him will watch over Baermar Drive. Will be thinking and praying for your family!
Regina, so so sorry to hear of your loss. Ed was a great friend for many years and a devoted husband and father. So glad I had the opportunity to spend time with him last September at our class reunion. He will truly be missed.
Thoughts and prayers for the Craft family.
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. We will always remember the good times we had with you and Ed during our Goldwing trips and Friday nights out. Even though Ed was in so much pain he always found strength enough to tell us one of his famous jokes. We are sorry we will be unable to come to Ed’s visitation hours and funeral. Just know you are in our thoughts.
Ed & Ryan, I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. We will be praying for your peace and comfort in the coming days. Our hearts are with you all.
Prayers for your entire family. ✝️✝️✝️
Craft family,
I have lived near you all most of my life on Myers Rd so when I moved to Baermar St and found out you lived there too, it felt like home. Unfortunately we will be out of town during calling hours and funeral but our deepest sympathies to your family.
Bryan and Holly (Riehl) Daugherty
Ryan, Juanita and Family,
Condolences from the Terry Family.
TERRY and family, my deepest condolences. Keep your memories close. I’ll remember your dad coming to pick up his pizza and wings in his prized Chevy truck. God bless.