Dean R. Crafton
Dean R. Crafton, 82, Sun City, Arizona, passed away April 2, 2019.
He was born June 21, 1936, to Opal Weeks. As a youngster, growing up in West Plains, Missouri, Dean joined Scout Troop 61. As a member of the Troop, he earned his Eagle Scout badge and worked five summers on the staff of Arrowhead Boy Scout Camp located near Marshfield, Missouri. Following his high school graduation, West Plains High School Class of 1954, Dean served two years in the US Army, stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. Following his military service, he enrolled in Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri. Upon graduation, Dean began a 35 year career with the Boy Scouts of America. His first job was with the Los Angeles Area Council as a field executive. He worked for the Los Angeles office for nine years and was promoted to Director of Field Service at the Orange County Council, Santa Ana, California, supervising 35 professional Scouters. After nine years, Dean was selected as Scout Executive of the Monterey Bay Area Council of the central coast of California. After 14 years Dean was promoted to the National Council servicing as an Area Director for Boy Scout offices in Iowa, Nebraska and Western Illinois. After three years he retired to Sun City, Arizona. He and his wife Sharie became avid travelers. They traveled throughout most of the European capitals on coach tours, including the Baltic States and Russia, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the Fiji Islands. They also enjoyed 2-4 week ocean cruises touring Alaska, the South Pacific, South America, Panama Canal, US East coast, Iceland and Greenland. They also spent 24 years with their various 5th Wheel trailers, touring most of the US and Canada, including Alaska and the Arctic Circle of Canada. At high school reunions, Dean told his classmates he planned on becoming a non-taxpaying citizen of West Plains.
He leaves behind his wife, Sharie and his son, Darin (Machelle).
In keeping with his wishes, Dean will be interred at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Eagle Scout Association, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Dale and Saundra DeLarm
April 13, 2019 @ 1:04 pm
Dale has many wonderful memories of growing up in West Plains with Dean. He always enjoyed visiting with him at their class reunions. I’m sure their stories of childhood became embellished somewhat over the years but they did love telling stories about their group of friends they called THE MULLEYS. I think Dale may be the last of this group but he treasures these memories. We send our love and prayers to Dean’s family.
David Bastin
April 14, 2019 @ 11:04 pm
I was most impressed with the life of service that Dean lived working with the Boy Scouts across this nation. His travel indicates his interest in learning and obvious made him a person of great tolerance and understand of this world people and cultures.
I remember Dean well as we were both in FFA and football. He was always kind and considerate to everyone.
I am sorry I didn’t know Dean had worked in Orange County CA. for a period of time. We have lived in Orange CA. since 1963 and would have welcomed he and family into our home to share our great high school adventures.
Sharie and Darin, many of us who knew Dean in high school share your sadness, but will carry wonderful thoughts of him for years to come. He looked so intellectual with those black rimmed glasses. Dave bastin 530 760 6807