Jeffrey Wayne Craddock
Jeffrey Wayne Craddock, 65, of Beaumont, died Friday, February 17, 2023. He was born in Aiken, SC to Patricia Reager Craddock and Wayne Edward Craddock, both now deceased.
Jeff was a kind and generous soul who will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his brother John Edward Craddock, sister Carol Craddock Lucas, nephew Philip B. Lucas III, and wife Maria Kane Lucas and niece Laura Lucas Kutcher, and husband Bryan E. Kutcher, and great nephews Lucas and Oliver Kutcher, who lovingly introduced him to Bluey. His family in Taos, NM, San Diego, CA, the Greater Houston area, and friends too many to mention also mourn his passing. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law Bland Lucas and his older sister Karen Craddock Whiteman.
He was class of ’76 from Forest Park High School and graduated from Lamar University with a BS in Biology. He was a career Medical Technologist, working at MASH for 18 years, Baptist for 15 years, and the VA Clinic since 2015.
He loved to teach others. A family favorite ‘crazy Uncle Jeff’ tale was when Jeff taught six-year-old Philip how to set dry leaves on fire with Philip’s glasses at the cabin. He told Philip it was a skill reserved for those with thick lenses.
A consummate storyteller, he shared his passion for Great Danes, fishing, photography, astronomy, birding, and rockhounding in the mountains with all his friends. His big personality just drew you in, and he always carried the conversation. Needless to say, he never met a stranger. It seems everyone knew that Jeff and his beloved Great Dane, Holly, would always lend a hand to someone in need. He called his sister his “rock,” but we all knew he was the one who woulAdd Imaged provide shelter in the storm.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to his amazing co-workers that cared for him and the close knit MedTech community that was his family. Denise, Matt, and Micah are truly angels.
We will always feel his spirit when we look to the night sky and see the stars shining down from above.
Memorial service arrangements are pending. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas or a charity of your choice.
This is such a delayed comment it almost seems pointless but I’ve only recently heard of Jeff’s passing. He was a great friend in high school and college although we lost touch after I left Beaumont in the early 80’s. I send heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jeff.
Oh My, it is June 8th and I just saw this. I had no idea we lost Jeff. I am deeply saddened by this. I am so sorry I lost touch with him these past years. He was a great friend and I will miss him. Carol I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff and I had such great times together. I know I am late but if there is anything I can do please let me know. Please contact me.
I haven’t seen Jeff since high school, but I have happy memories of a fun and funny guy. To the Craddock family, I hope your cherished memories bring you comfort.
Can’t imagine a world without this sweet man in it. Love always
Jeff was one of a kind, always ready to tell interesting or funny stories. We worked together over 35 years, beginning at St . Elizabeth Laboratory, then at MASH Laboratory and then at Baptist Hospital Laboratory. Jeff was an outstanding Medical Technologist, very proud of our chosen profession. Jeff had a huge heart, made of gold. He will be missed. RIP my friend.
My heartfelt condolences to the family”MUFFIN”was what you would call me.Thank you for never changing always that fun loving guy and telling your stories.RestWell my friend.
I miss Jeff dearly. We have been friends for a very long time. Denise. Jeff and I. Used to fish together almost every weekend. He was fun to be around. His life was cut too short.
Hi Chuck – what I lovely comment – John lives in CT & I know would love to hear from you! Memorial services are pending- but will let you know. Email your contact info to me – Thanks Carol
Our deepest sympathy to the Craddock family.
Have not seen anyone in many years.
Many great laughs and memories with Jeff.
We went to an Astros game when he was 15
Massive wreck on I 10 in Baytown. Got him home about
2:00 AM..Mom Craddock was not happy with Me.
Good I was a ( adoptive son).
When memorial service is scheduled we hope to attend to honor Jeff.
Hey Chuck – I replied in the wrong place 😉 Great to hear from you – John would love to reconnect – send me contact info – Carol
Jeff “Crash” Craddock were in Medical Technology school together at St Elizabeth. He definitely kept things entertaining. Wish I had stayed in touch. We have the same loves and interests….Great Danes, photography, and rockhounding. RIP Jeff.
My deepest condolences to the Craddock family, especially Carol Lucas. Jeff was my first boyfriend back in 7th grade, and I recall those days fondly. We had a lot of fun being kids. May Jeff rest in eternal peace.
Rest in peace, Jeff, a friend for many years. You will be missed. You always had a good story to tell and was so helpful to all. I’ll never forget you and Matt helping me move and my nickname, wingnut.
Fly with the angels,
kp
I will always remember you has a great neighbor. you and me sitting outside watching the police catch people running the stop sign. Laughing. Known you since I was a small child. Will miss you Jeff
He really was a special person. I enjoyed his stories even when I wasn’t sure who he was talking about! So many things he said made me laugh and he made the work days enjoyable. I will miss him.
We graduated together from Forest Park. God bless him and his family. May he rest in peace.