Charles D Haycraft

Charlie lived with a steady sense of purpose and an enduring respect for hard work, shaped in part by growing up during the Great Depression. From those early years came a lifelong thriftiness and a careful way of providing, quietly, consistently, and without seeking attention. He was known for putting others before himself, and many who knew him would say there was simply never a bad word to be spoken about him. A devoted father and natural people person, Charlie was loved and cherished by many.

He found deep joy in seeing the world. Charlie and his late wife traveled throughout the United States, taking in local outings such as The Grand Ole Opry and trips with Toby Tours. In the first year of their marriage, he purchased a farm in Grayson County and held onto it so he could care for his parents while also working at Deans Food, an example of the steady responsibility that marked his life. Later, he sold the farm so he could retire and travel the world with his wife of more than 50 years, Genevieve Russell Haycraft. Charlie belonged to The Masonite Lodge Wilhelm 720.

Charlie also enjoyed country and gospel music, and he took pride in the things he cared for—especially his cars and his clothes. He valued home, living in the same house for 69 years, the very home where his daughter, CheRee, was born and raised.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 50+ years, Genevieve Russell Haycraft; his parents, Zerrie Clay Haycraft and Alta Ward; and his sisters, Aileen Armstrong, Carolyn Newton, and Shirlene Stevenson.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, CheRee Whitlow (David); grandchildren, Sabrina Ethington (Derek) and Jeremy Whitlow (Kaitlyn); great-grandchildren, Savannah Ethington, Skylar Ethington, Summer Ethington, Colt Whitlow, and Emerson Whitlow; and his brother, Gary Haycraft.

Visitation will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home, Louisville, Kentucky, on July 20, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home on July 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.