I would like to thank all of our family, friends and people that knew my grandfather very well or only for just a brief period for taking the time to say so many kind words.

My grandfather was a man that had a solution to everything. He took the world by the horns and never let anything get in his way. He is one of the kindest and most generous human beings to walk the face of the earth. His love was felt every single time we spoke. I am so thankful to call him my grandfather. He raised a son that has a heart just as big as him and I am proud to call him my father. Papa's legacy will live on forever. Whenever I have a doubt I know exactly what he would tell me to do; We keep on and where there's a will there's a way. Miss my grandfather every day but I know he's in a much better place. The earth is just a place we visit until we make it to the heaven. No doubt we will all be together again.

Once again, thank you all for the kind words.

Lane Craft

Lauren, I thought maybe today would be the day I didn't shed tears because of Les' passing, but then I read your tribute, and started tearing up once again.  Thank you for sharing those personal stories, they do give comfort to the rest of us.  I want to share a couple of memories I have about Les specifically about you, maybe they will give you a little comfort.

First of all the only time I heard Les call you Lauren was when he was saying Lauren, Lane, and Landon.  Otherwise it was Lauren Elizabeth, Sweet Lauren, Baby Lauren or for a while, Princess Lauren.  The Princess Lauren started when he and your dad had to devise a way for you to get out of Taft Tank without getting your precious little toes muddy.  He thought it was funny that they had to come up with something just for  you, but loved every minute of it!

He loved doing everything he could for you.  I remember him running over to your home, I think to look at your sprinkler problem, and again to do something with your washer/dryer.  He loved to do anything for you to help in any small way he could.  He liked feeling needed and being a part of your life.

You were always a shining star in his eyes.  He was so proud of everything you did; modeling, business, but most importantly he was proud of the person you were becoming.  He wanted all of his grandchildren to be kind, loving people.  Knowing you shared in his last trip to the ranch is wonderful!  I can't imagine a better weekend for him, surrounded by the people he loved the most.  Also, knowing you were with him every day those last couple of weeks is so nice.  It is so nice to know he had a loving send off on this end, I am sure his mom and brothers and sisters were all welcoming him lovingly on the other side.
 
Oh one more thing, I love that you mentioned It is what it is.  I too remember that phrase.  It usually came after he listened to me being sad, angry, or frustrated about something.  He would hear me out, give words of encouragement, then if it looked like I wasn't moving on, I would hear It is what it is.  That was always a signal for me to get over it, to start thinking about ways to get through it, come up with a plan, and look forward to a brighter future. Dwelling on the past wouldn't help.  He's probably in heaven now trying to tell us that when he sees us crying about him.
 
You were so lucky to have him as a grandfather, the rest of us were so lucky to have him as a friend. I worked with him for over 30 years and I am honored that he shared his stories about you with me.

God bless you Lauren, take comfort in knowing he is watching over you every minute of every day.

I am so thankful God gave me the grandfather he did. My heart continues to hurt knowing I will never hear him tell me he loves me again. But I can get by each day knowing how much he loved all of us grandkids. It is crazy to think just two months ago I spent 30 minutes on the phone with him telling him about about my breakup with my boyfriend. Poppa's response was everything happens for a reason & something better is coming for me & I know somewhere in there he slipped in his favorite phrase, 'It is what it is!' I always told him I want a man in my life that loves me as much as my Poppa & my Dad. My family was so fortunate that we were able to take Poppa a month ago to the ranch. My Dad, Mom, Lane, Landon &I had the best time with him. We all had great food my Dad cooked, rode around on the mules & looked at animals, fixed or tried to fix things inside & outside of the house that Poppa wanted done & most importantly we listened to Poppa's favorite music videos in the living room. We first started listening to ZZ Top & Poppa played his favorite song, 'Gimmie All Your Lovin' & turned it up so loud the house was shaking! I'll never forget him rocking back & forth in that recliner just loving it. We even played it again on repeat! We finished the night listening to Shania Twain who he loved as well. His love for music I will never forget. Even after the ranch Poppa called me every single day to check on me & tell me how much he loved me. He always asked the exact day of when I was coming to Houston to & the exact time & never forgot the day or time I was coming to see him. Then most importantly he always asked when I am getting out of New York & when Im moving back to Texas. Even the same day Poppa went into the hospital he asked me that. When he was in the hospital I was there with him everyday until he went home to his final rest. I always gave him the biggest hug & kiss on the lips & told him a million times how much I loved him. He will always have the biggest piece of my heart. I'm so happy that I have so many of his voicemails that I will save for forever. I will always have a piece of Poppa with me forever. He was such a hardworking, loving compassionate man & he is with God now walking along side his family & friends. I can't wait to see him again one day. I love you more than all the stars in the sky Poppa, Lauren Elizabeth

I am RN that had the pleasure of meeting Les Craft.  I was so sorry to hear of his passing.  He was one of my favorite patients.  There were times I could see he was having a bad day, but he didn't complain, he would always turn things around and ask about me and my children.  I would simply do my job; taking notes, taking vital statistics, etc and he would praise me and thank me as if I had done something monumental.  He made me feel like my job made a difference.  What a sweet man, he brightened my day each time he came in.  My condolences go out to the entire Craft family and all the people who knew and loved Les.

I met Les on a business trip quite a few years ago and spoke to him by phone a few times since. He always kept things very professional, but he did kick back and enjoy a Bloody Mary once or twice. It was a treat to see him loosen up a bit. Someone else mentioned he was private, I would have to agree, he never mentioned his personal life. I had no idea he was married for 30 years, he just kept that part of his life protected. He always made the conversation about everyone else, he found out my whole life history in a short time.  One exception was when he bragged about his son and his grand kids.  He did tell me a couple of stories about his hard life growing up. Even though some of those stories sounded tragic to me, he'd just laugh them off, repeating the saying "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger". He was a brilliant business man and a delightful human being.  Once you met Les, you never forgot him. I wish I could have known him better. Mrs Craft and Leslie Craft, I am so sorry for your loss.

So sorry to hear about his passing.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa and Les and their beautiful family.  May God heal your hearts.  RIP Mr. Craft

I met Les back in 1993. He was a very kind gentleman. We talked for a short while. He whispered in my ear, "God bless you Michael."

I started work with Les in 1974 at and delivered uniforms to his son Leslie, and Joe's son dad also on Center Street. Les was a hard working man and never would give up. Condolences from Kirk Creepon and family.

Texas has lost a giant with tremendous vision! Our condolences to the family - Rick and Elsa Garcia

Mr. Craft was a great leader at Admiral Linen, he will be missed. I feel like I am repeating what so many have said, but he really was a mentor, not just with job related things, but with life lessons. Thanks for everything Mr. Craft, rest in peace.

I saw the two photos, I wonder if anyone can share photos from way back? I would love to see them.

It seemed unfair that Mr. Craft lived such a short time after retirement.  He didn't get to travel or buy toys or do other things he so well deserved.  Then I realized that was my retirement dream, not his.  Les loved Admiral Linen and the people there.  He loved the challenges, identifying problems and doing what it took to fix them.  He enjoyed the journey.  He was already living his dream, spending the day, every day with people he respected.  He had a team that was working towards the same goal of making Admiral the best company there could be, good wasn't good enough.  He wanted the company to be thought of as exceptional.  He thrived in that environment.  If his health didn't start declining, in my opinion, he never would have sold the company.  So anyway, maybe if the two years since retirement were not his greatest, I don't need to be concerned.  He had a great 50 or more years living his dream.

I woke up very sad thinking of Les today, then a funny memory came to mind.  I remember asking Les how things went with Leslie at their ranch.  On more than one occasion he would start reciting the menu his son prepared.  He LOVED Leslie's cooking, it was definitely one of the highlights of being at the ranch.

Angie and Family,

You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Uncle Les was a great man and he meant a lot to me and to my husband David.  I will always remember his smile and his loving heart.

Diane Cruseturner

Angie my condolences to you and the family.He will be greatly missed.

I've worked at Admiral for 15 years. While I never dealt with Mr. Craft on a daily basis, it was an honor and privilege to work FOR HIM. I had a great deal of respect for him in the way he built the company to what it is today. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work at Admiral all this time--rest in peace Mr. Craft and my condolences to his wife Angie and the family. We will continue to make you proud of Admiral Linen!

My sincere condolences to Mrs. Craft and family. We have all suffered a great loss.  Mr. Craft was a private man, well respected, unique and loved by many.  No funeral home could contain us all.  He put the well being of others before his own. I am living proof of that.  Because of him I am still alive today.  When the words, "Admiral Linen" come to mind, we will remember him.  From now until forever, we will remember him.

Billy Craft Sr and Les were brothers. I apologize for the typo. Rest Easy Uncle Les. You will be truly missed by many. 

Christina Craft Martinez

Here is a picture I found of Duff, Weldon, and Les next to a new truck.

It was a privilege to have worked with Mr. Craft for 11 years. His door was always open for anyone that needed him. Over my tenure I heard many stories that depict what an amazing being he was. His passing left many saddened but his legacy will live on. Prayers go out to his entire family. God Bless

I wasn't supposed to mention this to anyone, but since others are sharing, I will too.  One time I went to speak with Mr. Craft about a loan for a "new" used car that I really needed to get to and from work. Instead of a loan he paid for the car!! It wasn't very expensive but it would have been very hard for me to make payments.  It made a huge difference, it was the start of turning things around for the better in my life. Rest in Peace Mr Craft, I hope you know how many lives you touched.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences in your time of loss and mourning.  Although we are close to Tommy and Brenda, it was not our privilege to know Les.  We wish we had known him.  Clearly, the lives of his many friends and his family were enriched by his presence.

Art and Bev Redmond

Les was an amazing man. So kind hearted. He was my grandfather Billy Craft Jr. brother. My grandpa always spoke so highly of him and his wife Angie. When my grandpa passed away Les and his family were the first ones there to comfort us.  We love you. Thank you for everything you've done for us.  

Our deepest condolences 

- Christina (Craft) Martinez

Somehow, through the grapevine at work, Mr Craft heard my refrigerator broke down on us.  He called me up to his office, I couldn't imagine what I had done wrong to be called up there.  Instead of getting in trouble or getting fired, he told me he wanted to pay for a new refrigerator!  What a surprise and a huge help, I am not sure what we would have done without his help. Such a wonderful man, so kind and generous.

I met Les several years ago in a business meeting. I remember that although I was there to provide him with a service, it was he that provided me with one.  I left those meetings with more confidence and self esteem.

I remember him asking about my wife and family.  When I asked him about his, he mentioned his son.  He was so proud of the successful businessman his son had become. I remember him saying he was most proud of the great husband and father his son turned out to be.  That too inspired me. 

I believe the two or three or short hours I spent with Les made me better at my job, and a better person in general. We never did business together, but I felt I made a friend that day.

God bless you Les, I hope you are finding peace and happiness.

Les was an awesome businessman and a friend to so many people.  He was instrumental in growing his business, as well as his people.  May God comfort and bless his family.

Our deepest condolences to Angie and the entire Craft family. Les was a mentor to us all, a source of logic when things got tough, a leader in business and family values. I'm grateful for the time I had with such a special person.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   David Hoyt

No words, or flowers can mend the hole left missing in everyone's heart from mourning Mr.Craft. Living 2 1/2 hours from him never made it feel like he wasn't apart of my life. I truly will miss waking up early with my dad to go to work with him and seeing  Mr.Craft. He brought so much life to everyone who had a part in his life. He never once forgot to call on my birthday or holidays. Getting to know the Crafts over my 17 years was truly a blessing. 

-Katie Hoyt
Seguin TX

I'm so sorry for your loss. Les was a wonderful man. He was incredibly generous, especially when it came to his time. He always wanted to make sure everything was alright and we always knew that if we needed him, he would make the time. He may not have known it,  but I always viewed him as a mentor and I knew that when I had a major life decision, that I could always reach out to him for advice. I don't imagine that I'll ever meet a more kind hearted or humble person. He was a role model and made me realize that I could overcome any obstacle and achieve anything I wanted to as long as I put in the hard work. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Les' passing. I only met him in recent years and he really touched my heart with his love for his family and his generousity to so many family members.  He meant so much to his sister, Helen and his brother, Frank here in Greenville, NC.  I will always remember his  phone conversations and the few times that we had together.  I have been fortunate to meet Angie and Lesley and hope to meet the rest of our our family one day.

My condolences to all the family. Uncle les I really wish I could have spent more time with you other then a few short moments. You will always be loved. Sincerely Billy craft 3rd

I am so saddened to learn of Les' passing, and sorry for the family's loss. I didn't have the opportunity to know him long, but he will leave a lasting mark in my heart.

Everytime I saw Les, he spoke fondly , with pride, and so warmly of his family, Admiral Linen, and his humble beginnings and accomplishments, but not in a boastful way, rather, "anyone that works hard and has a dream can do it".

We talked about how he grew up very poor in North Carolina, walking miles one way to get medicine for his brother. He told me how much he loved his brother and what they overcame in their childhood. Les was definitely resilient but grateful for everything he had; he was a joy to speak with.

Les was so proud of his son, grandchildren, was very excited about his grandson's wedding. He was beyond proud and delighted when I showed him pictures on the internet of his grandson; he had tears in his eyes and an enormous smile.

He was always so humble and I had to force praise on him! We never parted without him thanking me and giving me a hug or handshake; he was a very special man. 

Godspeed Les, you clearly touched many, many lives, including mine. <3

My thoughts and prayers are with the Craft  family and all of us who loved Mr. Craft. He was an outstanding leader, mentor and friend to so many of us. We will miss  his firm hand shake, big smile ,  infectious laugh and his never-ending generosity  he shared with all of us. It was an honor and a gift to  be able to work for him for 20 years. He was truly one of  a kind!

Angie & Family,.                                
So sorry to hear about Uncle Les,sending love and prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Love always Penny Craft Uzoras & Family

At work, I was always amazed that he could be so cheerful and energetic at such an early hour in the morning. He kept that enthusiasm going all day long. He was so kind, and as I got to know him better, I really appreciated his sense of humor. He helped me on a personal level more than once, his advice was priceless. Farewell dear friend.

Les was a true gentleman and a terrific guy to work for. Lucky to have spent 15 years at Admiral and owe a tremendous amount of thanks to Les for sharing his wisdom and knowledge of the business that he was so fond of. Rima and I are thinking of the entire Craft family during this difficult time. RIP Les, you were a true original.

Angie,We just found out  about Les's passing. We are so very sorry! He was a patient of ours for a long time and we always thought of him as a very kind and gentle man. We are sure that he will be sorely missed, by many people! Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.  Very sincerely yours, Dr. Frank and Sherry Davenport and Jane Frelich.

So sorry to learn of the passing of Uncle Les.
He was a kind and generous man. He will be missed.
My Deepest sympathy to the Craft Family.
-Cathy Craft Johansson

We are saddened to learn the passing of Les. For many years he has been our Galveston neighbor. Always kind, caring, a good neighbor and a gentleman. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his loving family. 
Ron and Joan Rust
Galveston, TX

Les was a wonderful, motivating boss.  He never asked someone to do something he wasn't willing to do himself.  He was a wonderful leader, making everyone feel so important and special. He understood the value of every job, he treated the maintenance crew with the exact same respect he treated his vice presidents.   He always had time to ask about ones family, he had a soft spot for mothers and children. He loved and bragged about his own son, Leslie, and his grandchildren- he was so proud of them. His favorite times seemed to be spent at his ranch with Leslie, time with his son meant so much to him.  Les was so kind and generous, he helped so many people when problems occurred. He even changed my tire once dressed in his slacks, button down shirt and tie! He didn't get someone else to do it, he did it himself.He touched so many lives.  He is what made Admiral Linen great, yet he always passed the credit on to everyone else.  I've never met a greater man.  He was a wonderful boss, but an even better friend. I am sure he is up in heaven catching up with Betty Wagner, Charlie Barrier, Duff Trimble and so many others that went before him.  The world lost a very bright light yesterday. I will miss him so much.  I love you Les, rest in peace.

You were gods angel on earth and now he needed his angel back. You will always be missed.

 My family and I are sorry for your loss. Mr. Craft was a great man. He gave me pearls of wisdom and fatherly advise while I worked for him at Admiral. I have missed him each day I go to work since the sell. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.  Teresa Raczka

What a wonder and kind man . I will miss you very , very much Uncle Les.  My heart goes out to all of your family.  Billy Craft JR.

OBITUARY

Leslie Craft, Sr.

April 25, 1941 – September 15, 2016

Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale

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