Obituary for Donald B. Cragen

Donald B. Cragen, 69, of Martinsville, IN, passed from this life at his home on Sunday, March 24, 2013. 

He was born to the late Loran “Jack” & Doris (Arnold) Cragen on January 8, 1944 in Green Township, Morgan County, IN. 

Don spent his youth traipsing the hills of Green Township and causing general mischief with his many Cragen cousins. He was a Martinsville High School graduate with the Class of 1962 and will forever be remembered by his classmates as “Mitsu”. 

While working at Farm Bureau in Indianapolis he met and fell in love with Sharon Lynn Colen, who would become his bride of forty-five years. Together, they had six children. Don spent his years farming and operating Cragen Oil Company in Martinsville. He was also a school bus driver for the Martinsville School District for nearly 30 years; encouraging children daily with his smile and humor. 

He was an avid Purdue fan and also loved the Yankees. During his retirement he became an avid birdwatcher and is surely known among the flocks of birds for his many bird feeders that are always well stocked. He loved spending time with his family and most of all watching his six grandchildren. He will be missed by many and remembered forever by anyone who had the chance to meet him. 

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Martinsville, Waverly Masonic Lodge & Sons of the American Legion Post #230 in Martinsville. 

On September 23, 1967 he married Sharon L. (Colen) Cragen; she survives in Martinsville. He also leaves behind three sons, Mark Cragen & Brad Cragen (wife, Stacy) both of Martinsville and Eric Cragen of Gosport; two daughters, DeAnn Martin (husband, Patrick) of Martinsville and Catherine Whitson (husband, Shane) of Greenwood; sister, Barbara Harris of Ft. Myers, FL and six grandchildren, Elizabeth & Tyrus Martin, Jackson & Piper Whitson and Gabrille & Emmeline Cragen. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Heather Cragen & one brother, Jack Cragen. 

Family & friends are invited to visit on Thursday, March 28th from 4:00-8:00 pm at Neal & Summers Funeral & Cremation Center and on Friday, March 29th from 10:00-11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, 3150 Myra Lane, Martinsville, IN. A service celebrating his life will be officiated by Rev. Mark Suter and begin Friday at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church. There will be no burial. 

Contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St., Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611 or www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org. Online condolences and memories may be shared with his family at www.nealandsummers.com. 

From TributeArchive.com, Nov2013