Ennis Bader Crafton

He was born on August 6, 1944 in Rushville, Illinois, the son of the late James Ennis Crafton and Anna Elizabeth Crafton. Ennis was a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL., where he received his degree in Ocean Engineering. Ennis worked as an Ocean Engineer and enjoyed scuba diving and working with wood.

Many of Ennis’ stories are related to our 1991 Regal boat. Ennis took this boat starting in Wisconsin down the Mississippi River to New Orleans by himself. It was a bucket list journey. We did many trips across the ocean to the Bahamas and many of these trips were always eventful. One was crossing with too many people and when we ran out of gas. Another was losing the prop and a huge freighter turned around and dropped a huge ball to hold us in place while he fixed the prop. Stranded on the sand bar with the prop stuck in the sands was another trip. We also got into a storm and bent the anchor. We were also in shallow water and the boys and I were pulling a dingy while a shark swam between the rope and the dingy.

Other events were his driving. He thought he was a good driver. Many close calls were had by all, including then Ennis almost going off the road in the mountains.

He was predeceased by his sister, Carol Jean, his father, James Ennis, his mother, Anna Elizabeth and two nephews; Rodney Meyer and Rick Meyer.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lynda, his sons; Ennis James (Danielle) and Jason (Gerri), his grandchildren; Deziree, Tyson, Nicholas, Jerimiah and Thea, his siblings; Laura Anna, Patricia (Gary), James (Lil), Mary (Duke) and Donald (Janet), numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Family Funeral Care of Orlando.